It also depends on where you are putting the picture. When I upload original pix from my camera card to a storage site like Photobucket you can insert them into posts without modifying them.
Here is a link of how I do mine into posts.
This site does have restrictions on other methods of posting pix, such as for the signature line, and the avatar. That is when you need to resize them to use. Do note though, for the signature, you can utilize the "thumbnail" type I mentioned in the above link. Those are clickable to enlarge.
This forums software does have the option for personal galleries that store the pix on-site, but CC did not opt for that option when he set this new site up. It does use a lot of bandwidth, which is more costly.
Hope this helps.
Joel in the Couve