Hi mooshine,
I wouldn't obfusticate your code if I were you. It won't stop someone from copying your code and it will only make things harder for you to maintain. It certainly won't 'help' your SE placing, but may not damage it.

Is the problem because people are copying your 'code' or your 'content'? If it's your actual content then are you able to write a polite email/letter requesting they stop?! Once they realise you are aware of them stealing your content that may be enough.
Then if that doesn't get you anywhere you may have to get more serious. Here's an article that has lots of helpful info/links. 


Let us know how you get on.

^{Search Freeola Chat}

one of my freeola hosted sites googles around 1 or 2 on the first page for my chosen keywords, sometimes 2 and 3 instead or as well.

just to hinder a new to the business upstart who keeps copying my source code, if I were to obfusticate (Scramble) the HTML,  would this harm my search engine visibility?

Moonshine Framing, Penzance