You know, I hadn't really thought of it that way. Now that you mention it, I've come across that as a reader myself: wondering what a different take on something would be. Even if the original were well-done, another writer could still put a fresh spin on it. But I think I'm wary, too, of looking like I ripped someone else's ideas off. But perhaps as long as one doesn't repeat crucial elements like plot twists, etc....?

And the thought that a writer as good as you might be letting other treatments of the same plot elements stop them from putting them a story is... very upsetting!

Aw, thank you.