I wrote my view about it, in other topic, but want to comment about the facts that you wrote:
- About facts 1 and 3: I think that if a guy got a SE4 pirated copy, probably will get a pirated SE4 Gold copy too. If not, well, at least you got a customer! And also, you can see my view about the Fact 2.
- Fact 2. Well, we live in the knowledge age, right? I think that Shrapnel could get the info anyway... If not, well, so bad, this guy will be forced to send the piece of the CD.
- Fact 4: purchasing a new copy of the same game (although will include improvements), it's in my view, a way to support Aaron... with or without the rebate.
- Fact 5: first must say that I really dislike the idea to destroy the CD. Second, I'm pretty sure that will be unable to send the piece using the standard mail, and at least from my country, will be more expensive to me, send the piece than receive the rebate.