Too much steps to view the image. Why not just click the URL to redirect you to image hosting where you can see the image.
I'm sure newbie will only see the URL of the image if they post an image. So if newbie can't see it just click the URL to view images.
To avoid phising links, or something like this, it's better if only apply those steps to view images via only-view approach.
You don't have to click to anything to view images.
I have still thought that spending a couple of seconds, it don't ruin our lives, but it is better, and safer.
Thank you so much for raising one more point for my topic.
I added that point into OP.
- Securing yourself from phising links due to avoid clicking on links of images.