It is also lazy and weak minded. It is an admission that the writer KNOWS his or her or their work is inferior to that filched. And it makes no sense in our Googlesque world, where a reference may bring additional eyes.

If you have been enabled to see farther, why not acknowledge the "shoulders of the Giants upon which you stand," as Isaac Newton (loosely) said?

(Thanks for the shout out and glad to hear of your recovery.)