Comment Re:Not sure what is going on here... but... (Score 1) 572
The problem is that FTDI wasn't screwing up "whomever is profiting from ripping [them] off." The device user likely purchased the device expecting a genuine chip. Refusing to work with the fake would have achieved the same effect, but would have left the user with the ability to (possibly) obtain a different driver (legal 3rd party, FOSS, etc).
Since you proposed a wild west analogy, it would be like finding out that a cattle rustler "borrowed" one of your free-range bulls to impregnate* his cows, the offpring of which were sold to local farmers. So, in retribution, you ride in and shoot all the calves which have similar patterned spots on their fur, thereby punishing the farmers who innocently purchased the calves at auction. Meanwhile, you have done nothing to the rustler who actually committed the crime.
Do this a few times and you are likely to be the one who is going to be lynched.
* The rustler returned the bull to the range. Only the bull's "software" was being copied. In case anyone wants to complain about the analogy, think about stud fees for prize bulls.