For many, many years now, if you need Windows you can just download it from Microsoft and run simple, non-intrusive activation procedure (not from Microsoft) after installation. No cracks needed. As much security as hip high front porch gate.
So even for MS the understanding was that these things are de facto freeware for anyone that wants them at all.
> No cracks needed.
These are contradictory statements, and I'm not sure why you'd think otherwise.
Instead it's sufficient to use normal MS activation procedure with a server that always says, sure, you can activate. Because why not.
Laws are never the same for the rich and the poor. And if they are to differ then it's the better direction for them to differ.
Now if you wish to assert that Microsoft allows peons to use Windows for free, as long as it is convenient for them, I can agree with that. They're still a bunch of hypocrites.
Allowing Microsoft to selectively apply the law as it benefits them is not a good thing, you're confused.
Commercial policy is not the law so MS can be as hypocritical as they want. I'm happy that their hypocrisy is going in the right direction this time.