Mike,

>Why else would they be fighting piracy like this? Cause it makes them feel warm and tingly? Nope, cause they think it will get them some more money.

I think they are doing because I think that, but I think they are making a mistake. If my ultra-paranoia kicks in I think they are doing it so they can start asking for more and more registration information so that folks will start to feel comfortable (or compelled) with some of their advanced plans like subscription services and the widespread use of MS Passport. I am not totally comfortable with some of these new ideas, but as with most things Microsoft, if everyone jumps on board there won't be a lot that can be done about it once MS locks in their 80-90% of consumders once again...

>Which MS believes, otherwise, they wouldn't be doing this. IMO anyways. Why do you think MS is doing this?

As I state above, they probably do think it will help, but I simply disagree.

>I think customer alienation is a huge threat to MS, yes, good point. I could have told you that, as I've been told that by lots of folks. But they're not alientating me. Maybe I'm just more mellow than everyone else, but

I know you could have told me that, and I am glad you did...

I don't know if you are more mellow, and I certainly don't think you are wrong or naive for not minding what (so far) appears to be a painless button click. *shrug*. I just don't think that MS is going to stop there.

JoeK