Craig,
Just thinking out loud here, but, ain't the registry like a table containing data? If it is the case, then, aren't we the owners of the data? And, of course, as owners we should be able to modify it as we see fit, then if a program/module/component o whatever happens to start working, it is really our fault? Is not like you are messing with the binaries or something, you are modifying data that you own.
Now, if we weren't the owners of the data, how can we modify the registry at all, how would we register a dll, or install open-office etc.
"The five senses obstruct or deform the apprehension of reality."
Jorge L. Borges?
"Premature optimization is the root of all evil in programming."
Donald Knuth, repeating C. A. R. Hoare
"To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely"
Jorge L. Borges