[CyberStretch] This is incorrect. Companies, on a whole, do what is in their best interest, often at odds with what is in the consumers' best interest. SSS: I agree. Go back and re-read my arguments. In no way do I suggest that companies are acting altruistically. [CyberStretch] I have to deal with companies when these "protection schemes" impact my ability to use a product I purchased. I would defy anyone to show a viable business model in which consumers are not an integral part of the business' survival. SSS: I AGREE with you on both points. I dare say EVERYONE in the industry agrees with you. Hence, any cost imposed on you by a protection scheme, it is entirely appropriate and constructive for you to push that cost back on to the company, until it is done right. [CyberStretch] You seem to be missing the point. Consumers generally agree that companies have the right to protect their investments. But when that protection is obviously a falacy, and at most a placebo, and it comes at the expense of the product and/or the consumer, are we supposed to sit idly by and let it happen? SSS: I am not missing that point. But in me eyes, you are partially off-course as to what is in your self-interest, and what is not in your self-interest. It is in your self-interest to let a company know, loud and clear, whenever they try to impose any cost on you, regardless of the reason. Why rant about the supposed folly? What does that accomplish, other than to increase defensiveness? Are you so knowledgeable and proven, that when you say when that protection is obviously a fallacy, and at most a placebo, that the executives at Curious Labs would rationally respond, oops, weve missed something. He must be right - were just fooling ourselves. *** Why not just stick to screaming about the costs, until those issues are addressed? [CyberStretch] But when a CEO of a company has to become involved in something more suited to developers, I feel that merits some notice. SSS: Right on. But do you hear what I have been saying: dont confuse: * the trauma to you and others of Curious Labs attempt at software protection; with: * they are running the business, not you. Push back costs. If they misjudge the relative costs, then the next company to come along will have an opportunity.