Yes, I realize copying is a special case. But usually a unique product key must be obtained as well. These are usually cracked and sold/given away on the black market. They can only be used once. Far too often someone registers software with a stolen key and locks out the legitimate purchaser. It happened to my son on one of his games. Fortunately the publisher provided another. But still...

Anyway, the rationalization for piracy breaks down because it assumes all or most people who pirate software would not otherwise obtain it legally. If piracy was impossible, and they really wanted it, they would find a way to pay for it.