With MS providing free updates to Win 7 and 8 users, both licensed and pirated ones, makes one feel how does it affect the way we use windows. They might be trying to reciprocate their mistake which they committed with Win 8 but on the other hand they might also be able to collect data as to which users use pirated copies and which ones use licensed. I don't think anyone in the business is for the sole purpose of providing free services. There is always a hidden motive, sometimes as subtle as collecting user data without them realising it.

I suppose, any sort of credit card scam can be linked that way. The credit system was introduced primarily to help people set up their business. Now it is a business in itself. Good Job Loan Sharks.