I hear you. I broke down and bought a subscription too to really see where it was at and what it can do. For now I think it makes sense to use it, but I'd just be honest and straightforward about the fact you're using it. Anothing thing I've been looking for is how I can use it as a supplement to my art vs completely handing over the reigns. It's very good as a tool to generate your own reference, to generate photobash assets, and I'm sure I'll figure out more stuff, but yea, it's a scary time.
Bear market is definitely not helping. I'm right there with you. Watched my crypto plummet in value at the same time that a lot of work dried up. So yea, I'd say just say you're using it and try to find creative uses for it beyond taking the output as a finished thing.