Imgur isn't a problem, and this shouldn't be a problem for Imgur. There are similarities, but that's mostly due to necessity in good UI. If people prefer Imgur, they should certainly use Imgur.

I can't comment on what might be right or wrong with other sites, not in the capacity of someone promoting a competing product.

Itsosticky is fast (server hardware permitting), modern, has no advertising at all at the moment, and no third-party sharing widgets.

I can't discuss plans for monetisation - there are none as yet.