If it is, it was quite succesfull, as at least some of them are using the term themself, also in the warez scene (pirate bay). Romanticizing pirates is not a new thing (while ignoring the bloody murder part).
The auto industry co-oped it and used it as a wedge to get city streets turned over to cars so they could sell more cars.
Calling people broadcasting on 'protected frequencies' pirates is a similar slur.
Pirate radio in the UK in the 1960s was often from actual ships floating just offshore in international waters (or disused forts/installations located in them).
There was more of a "evading the authorities at sea" aspect than I think you're giving it credit for.
Nautical pirates were called "pirates" specifically because they didn't have a license to engage in the activity. The ones who had licenses ("letters of marque") were called "privateers".