I don't know! Seeing how much the game industry still makes, even with Piracy, I think the reason we see such protections is more because they can get away with it than anything else. Isn't it grand how the government has no problem helping big business screw over legitimate consumers, but won't do squat to help with our rights when it comes to software?
The whole thing is BS in my opinion. I will practically buy any game I want, but (Except for Kill.Switch and XIII) I will never buy another game with either StarForce or Tages. Funny how both were cracked eventually anyway...
Sean