[general_re]

Aside from the programmers performing a service in creating the software, the publisher performs a service in distributing it (even if you bypass the legitimate channels), bug testers perform a service by testing software, and so forth and so on. By receiving software to which you are not entitled, you have stolen the services of those people - in the aggregate sense, those people come together to form companies and corporations. Whether Microsoft's programmers have been compensated or not is neither here nor there - the Microsoft corporation has performed a service in producing Office for you, and in receiving that software illegitimately, you have stolen the services of the Microsoft corporation. Well, not "you" personally, but you know what I mean ;)

[savedbygrace]

If the software companies actually SOLD the goods, then they could make a case for theft. But software companies decided long ago to establish this squishy licensing thing. That makes the difference.

Equally important is the question of damage and loss. Has anyone suffered any provable damage or loss? Between those two issues, you can see why it is infringement, rather than theft, that is happening here.