I realize web bugs are for statistics, but as for harmless, that is only for each individual to decide. Some web bugs use cookies and that can be used to track (as you pointed out). The statistics are use to supply ad servers more information so they can supply more ads.

If you want your internet experience full of ads, popups, popunders, animated gifs and web bugs then yep, you are correct, for you it's harmless. I like to actually enjoy my internet experience without all of this. I would rather not conform, call it what you will, but I call it harmful to my piece of mind and enjoyment of the internet experience. It did not use to be like this, and I am sentimental of the "old" days when I did not have to feel put out, taken advantage of all in the name of a little profit, and might I add, profit at the expense of my sanity.