Below is a suggestion I've made at #576338: Feature: create thumbnail from CCK imagefield. I wanted to start a separate issue for this feature. I would suggest adding another step between 2 and 3, an option for the teaser thumbnail to be derived from the user's profile image. Anyone else think this would be a good idea?

I think the best solution would be to generate the thumbnail from these sources, in the following order.

1. Body Content
2. CCK Image Field
3. Default Image

This would be perfectly for people using the FileField insert module. It would also allow for a teaser image to be uploaded into a cck field, without there actually being an image inserted into the post.

All Possible Scenarios:
No Picture Uploaded: Generates Teaser Thumbnail from Default Image
Picture Uploaded to ONLY Body Content: First body content image used for teaser thumbnail
Pictures Uploaded to both CCK Field and Body Content: First body content image used for teaser thumbnail
Picture Uploaded to ONLY CCK Field: First CCK filefield photo used for teaser thumbnail