I'm sure someone will make a hack to get ride of the lovely message as soon as its released any way. Plus, I'm not to bothered about Windows prducts and I'm most likely going to switch to Linux soon. My version of Windows isn't pirated, but I've used it so many times the CD key doesn't work any more >.< So I can't activate it so I had to use an "unapproved" method.
I have never owned any pirated Microsoft software and would strongly discourage use of it. Though the chances of getting caught may not be high, it IS still illegal and the punishment is harsh.
The only problem with microsoft is that when they release a new version of their product you need to buy the license of that product again even do you have bought the license of the the previous version.
I know a lot of compaines that make you rebuy the product but Microsoft does offer discounts for the upgrade version. Adobe makes you rebuy Photoshop after a new release.
Most companies make you buy the product again at a new release. Since new major releases are pretty much a new product.
Who is to make the call on whether or not anything is too expensive? Anything not free is arguably too expensive. Try to pitch that to a software developer. If it is too expensive. Don't use it ...
Even if this really does happen it will just be circumvented by the crackers if it has not been already.