Craig, I agree that pirates are indeed a problem especially for companies that mainly focus on software.
But let me ask who is impaired by the counter measures Mach4 implemented with the new PCID license restrictions? It's not the pirates as they use a cracked version anyway. They just continue to steal software, and they do not have to spend a single thought on PCID changes or license renewals. It's the honest and paying customers who are really impaired. People who use a cracked Mach 4 version can continue to use it even 20 years later, with no restrictions. They can change hardware however they like. However I as a paying customer have to cope with the restrictions and probably cannot use it 20 years later when the license renewal servers are discontinued or Mach5 is superseding Mach4.
What that means is that the honest customers are at a disadvantage compared to the dishonest customers. Making a cracked version more attractive to the customer than a legal version. I could imagine that now even more people change to a cracked version because of that.
Mach4 is the only software I am aware of that uses such license system. I have never encountered other software that required license renewals when changing hardware.
If we expect a 'professional level CNC software solution' then we must expect to contribute and abide the rules just as we would any other commercial
software vendor.
I agree but is the burden the customer has to carry now really a definite solution to piracy? I doubt so. Piracy is going to happen - no matter how many countermeasures are implemented. Other professional software vendors do not need such license system and others can continue to develop awesome features despite having a more customer-friendly license system. I mean there exist even open source software with awesome features that do not require license management at all (LinuxCNC, GRBL etc). I believe that there are better, more user-friendly anti-piracy measurements than the current license system.
However I just have the viewpoint of a semi-professional customer. It's not my business to decide how a company fights piracy. But after all it is my choice to use whatever software I like. I chose Mach 4 mainly because it is cheap and it was quick to get it working. I did not read much into the license system before my purchase. I already bought it so I continue to use Mach 4 for now. I mean i could live with the software bound to the PCID. But I was very dissappointed when I found out the PCID is changed by windows updates or by some simple settings in windows. Thus requiring me to tinker around with Mach 4 licenses and PCIDs. I am not sure that I would go along with Mach 4 in the future when retrofitting other machines. If I find other software that works as good/quick as Mach 4 I will most likely switch. My control manufacturer is even offering it's own CNC software. Maybe I will try that.
For Mach 4, I hope for at least more transparency of how the PCID is generated. That would at least remove some fear of it.
best regards
Brandon