I don't think it arrogant to think one may be able to attempt to do something they see, even if a master did the thing they are seeing. I feel like trying would be one of the best ways to compare and contrast your successes and failures in your final outcome... and try again. Rinse and repeat and eventually... the technique or skills that you acquire or sharpen in your attempts could only help.
Even if in the end, your own style would be something much different it could be like a physical thought experiment but in a practical application. Just a thought...
I agree. "Copying" helps you to explore and understand (maybe) what the artist was doing, it helps you to really see, and in doing so, you understand more about your own skills and interests.