So wait, how do you prevent ivern from stealing one of your first buffs?

You pretty much can't.

Just drop a ward on your other buff and go steal his jungle if he takes it.

It's honestly a good question... He can force the issue against you CONSTANTLY by channelling his passive, and you HAVE to try and interrupt him, taking damage and wasting time.

They busted this champ, plain and simple.

I think the only thing you can do is start in his jungle and steal one of his in return.

I really don't want to see a world where Ivern is a strong pick, because always losing one of your camps with no recourse is not fun.

Either you steal one of his or understand that he tries to steal your buffs and try to alternate your route around that. Watch Ivern jungle streams and see the usual pathing and timing and then show up there in advance. He can't fight for his life in the jungle early especially since he will be low from his passive. Just save your gap closer for when he hops over a wall using his q and you should be all good.

You don't unless you feel like finding him and starting on the same side of the map as him. Then make sure you don't waste too much time to get to your other buff. Also take advantage of the fact that he can't smite steal as long as the camp is in combat with you.

You really can't, even if someone watches your other buff (which they never do).