Maybe you believe that users of closed source are safer because any potential theft would be hidden from prying eyes? I believe that users of open source are safer precisely because the code is exposed for the world to see, and any stolen code is more likely to be quickly located and replaced.This argument equates to saying "It's nice of my guys to leave their stolen cars in the front yard, so you cops can easily find them. You should let them keep doing it, just for that."
No, this argument equates to saying, "We are not doing anything illicit, and we have nothing to hide. See for yourself. By the way, if you find a bug, either let us know, or feel free to fix it yourself."
If you are unwilling to accept that analogy, perhaps you will understand this - this is strictly placing the burden of finding the stolen code on the true owners, or on law enforcement, as Torvalds freely admits he does not do this
Whereas code owners and law enforcement have virtually no chance, whatsoever, of finding stolen code in closed source products. Who have you tasked with the responsibility of policing closed source for stolen code, the thieves?
Project Manager: "We're getting ready to release Project X. You wrote all this code yourself, right?"Do you really think big software companies like M$, Oracle, CA, Symantec, have time to waste pouring through Linux source to see where pilfered items might be?
Lone Coder/Thief: "Of course, boss. That's what you're paying me to do, right?"
Project Manager: "OK, nice work! Here's your bonus for getting the project wrapped up by release date..."
Do you really think big software companies like MS, Oracle, CA, Symantic, have time to waste pouring through source code -- to which they have no access -- to see where pilfered items might be?
There is no comparison to be made in this regard. Theft is a terrible crime; a code owner is no less a victim simply because they are unaware that a crime happened. Be mindful of those you give access to your "trade secret" code. With all the security holes that seem to get past MS QA, do you really believe that stolen code or trojans would be caught? Please.
Then why are you defending theft, and defending the point of view it's the owner's responsibility to prevent/report it? Couldn't be that you're trying to "talk out of both sides of your mouth" is it?