Protection schemes now are meant to stop "casual copying" (I'm paraphrasing Microsoft right now since they are among the most pirated of companies, if not the most). Now, with that in mind, and that everyone dislikes some sort of dongle (which I agree with from bad past experiences), it leaves little alternative. I think they should be able to protect their software in some way, but they can't piss off the customers.

The only thing I think of right now that wouldn't drive people mad would be basic CD protection, like SafeDisc or something similar, but even those can be picky with certain CD drives. This is a fine line they're taking, and I think they need to be REALLY careful.

And melanie had an excellent point which I want to reiterate (with my own feelings intertwined in it): the cost involved in getting these infuriating protection schemes is passed on to the customer. A more expensive product means fewer people can afford it. I know I fall into that category since this is just a hobby for me.