I just realized I need to have my Reference Image render- part of the reference image has a checkerboard, and I want to ensure the semi-translucent grid in my procedural texture matches the grid in the reference image.
The workaround is to create a flat rectangular mesh the same aspect ratio as my image, and create an image texture.
However, one can (in AoI 2.6.1) select a reference image object and use the "Object > Convert to Polygonal Mesh" command on it. That seems to be a no-op, but perhaps in a future version it could actually convert the RIP into a polygonal mesh with its texture set to the reference image.
Alternatively, the RIP object could have a editable parameter checkbox "Render" for it to show up in renders.