"Inspired" You say, Copy a char and have a bit fun in photoshop is maybe a bit more than inspiring. Btw... i did not name the game so... there is that^^
Dude sure, they are not pixelperfect the same anymore, but really? U want to defend that? There is too much still on the same place. Maybe you changed it legally enough to be on the safe side... but c'mon where is your honor? We both know WHAT you did. You can accept that this was a petty move. Or lots of people may come to the conclusion, that is not worth it to support such a developer.
for one, despite you having a point, you're just rude. as for two, it's not photoshopped, he traced it, and honestly, is better than original artist when it comes to technical skill, which is super confusing to me, as to why he would do that. it just doesn't make any sense.
but it doesn't mean you can be rude to them. if you're on internet it doesn't mean you should behave like an animal, be respectful. or at least try to be.