If you say 洋人 is exactly the same as the word of a foreigner and does not connotes anything else, then please tell me the difference for 洋人 and 老外 and 番人 each. And also when you quote the 《现代汉语词典 - 汉英双语》for your argument while ignoring the real, daily use of the word by the public, does it also imply that you are "崇拜权威"?

Every adjective - since it is a modifier - must be either derogatory, respectful or neutral. When "洋" is used to describe something foreign, which attribute of the three is used most if not generic? To me it is very clear.

Hope this helps.