If the publisher was concerned they would go back into print (that would kill resale values).
Are you serious?
First, as a multi-published author, the idea that "appreciating" my work with the rationale you just gave is repugnant.
Second, you can argue "theft versus copyright violation" until the cows come home--I don't care. What I *DO* care about is when someone with no intellectual prowess and no understanding of what "going back into print" entails spouts off like it's no big deal.
I'm not taking a position on legality. I don't care one whit about resale values or I wouldn't have an effing Alfa. I came here, to THIS site, not for YOU, not for wretched examples of inbred ignorance, but for The Love of the Car.
Is that what this place is? Just another hillbilly hangout for posers and blowhards? Just another website where it's perfectly acceptable to excuse misbehavior and justify questionable actions with unquestionable stupidity?
If so, count me out.
If not, I look forward to your apology, in person, because if the economics of what you said are true, you should have no problem jumping on a plane and flying over here to apologize to my face.