I'm not Orthodox.  I'm Ukrainian Catholic.  :-)
I happen to agree with you that one can take away from an icon what one will.  Most faithful -- whether Orthodox or Eastern Catholic are not experts on icons.  But most of us (regardless of how much we happen to know) find spiritual guidance and comfort and focus in those icons.
On the other hand, I think that it's important to try to learn as much as one can and to find out what the symbolism actually means.  I think that understanding the symbolism leads to a much more wonderful and fuller experience of the icons and the spirituality that they hold.  While no one can prevent others from interpreting as they will, I think that those who choose not to learn miss out much.