I realize this discussion has developed pretty far already, but I'll throw in my two cents anyway. I think the fundamental problem that software piracy demonstrates is a breakdown of conventional laws of supply and demand. As we all know, price is determined when the two are at an equilibrium. However, in a world where information and intellectual works can be duplicated almost effortlessly, the supply is now practically infinite because it takes almost no effort (and therefore cost) to do so. The actual equilibrium, in this situation, is far lower than what the developers would like it to be. Of course, it's too late to take the public's ability to replicate information for themselves away from them (i.e. computers), and attempts to restrict copying by technical means fail every time without exception, as evidenced by the existence of cracks, patches and torrents for just about every conceivable piece of software.
The real questions we should asking ourselves are these: How much does a developer truly deserve for their work? Is the buying public qualified to make that judgment? Can developers profit in a world with completely unrestricted copying?
Super World Cup Fighter II: Championship 2010 Edition
