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I agree with that, what I am saying is that what is "legitimate" varies from country to country.
What I would consider legitimate use of software (buying it) is seen as insane in some parts of the world.
There first has to be that perception that a legitimate business buys its software. And the way to make that sink in is 1. education and 2. enforcement.
It simply doesn't exist in some countries.

On another note, the alternative economy argument is just nonsense, I haven't heard anyone try to make it that is capable of reason.

1. They are supposed to be pro products. Many of the thieves could do fine with the free/ shareware/ consumer rather than pro products. They steal the best because they can, and would where ever the price point.
2. If you compare the price of Creative Suite to the top end 3D packages out there you would realise that no, it's not that expensive.
3. The cost of these products is one of the only major costs of setting up a studio, and compared to other industries the cost is minimal.
4. The price would be lower if less people were stealing it.
5. You don't like the price don't buy it, don't steal it either because, well it's stealing.
6. I'm sure Adobe will be on the phone to you within the hour asking for more money making tips.

Just because something happens everywhere doesn't mean it's equally prevalent everywhere. I totally agree that there are good and bad things about all nations, but that doesn't mean that they are all the same or that discussing the difference should be banned.

That really is... ahem... political correctness gone mad.

Are you suggesting we should all be thinking "you know in Eastern Europe and China a lot more people steal software" and just not saying it? or that we should somehow be kept ignorant of the fact? or convince ourselves that it isn't true (when it clearly is)? I mean I don't really know what you want.
Any serious discussion about software piracy is going to involve finger pointing at those nations where it isn't frowned upon, and why shouldn't it?

Governments in these countries are far more likely to start doing something about the situation if they are called out for it. When it becomes an embarrassment for them that their businesses are considered thieves by the international community they might actually clamp down.

Rubyroo-   right after i responded with my rant about people in other countries stealing software, the Wall Street Journal had an article about how software piracy was such a big problem in China the the software companies were trying a new tack- lowering the prices. The article went on to say that the results were encouraging. So, maybe you are right after all. 
( now all they need to do is give us the same prices they are charging in china)

How did we get to talking about piracy? Funny how these discussions go sometimes.

Anyway...

I don't think the Adobe product prices are at all high. From my perspective, for what I get out of using these products, CS is cheap. And really from the perspective of my accountant who sees all types of businesses, large and small, including other solo self-employed folks like myself, being one of the 2 largest expenses I incur annually, from his perspective it's extremely cheap. He actually nags me about my expenses and often tells me that he wishes I could come up with more expenses to write off. The costs of running my business, including equipment and software, is fairly low compared to the costs of running other types of small businesses. I'm not really spending all that much when I buy a CS upgrade. Compare this to say a home repairman. He's got the expenses of a vehicle (typically a van or truck), tools, equipment, supplies, plus I'm sure they need special insurance to be working in people's homes, etc.

I've never bought into the whole idea of Adobe products being too expensive. The student discount is very fair, and beyond that for professionals, this stuff is still cheap as far as professional tools go.

Would lowering the prices cut down on piracy? Maybe. But still not convinced that the prices are so high that the "piracy due to high cost" argument is at all justified anyway.