And I have to admit that last July, when my legit download copy of FSX proved to be corrupted, I thought about doing the same thing.
After all, I had purchased it as a download directly from MS. The famous MS help was totally useless, even though I sent them a PDF of the purchase with the activation code on it!
From my viewpoint, I had a right to use it.
As I had the activation code, I could have gotten a copy of FSX and used my code to activate it.
I originally bought FSX to see if I would like it.
And much to my surprise, I really liked FSX. So instead of just FSX, I wanted FSX Gold.
I gave up trying to get the download from MS and just ordered FSX Gold from Amazon.
Remember, I said that I had the activation code from a year or two before? Well, the activation code is not tied to the original disk/download.
I put in my old code and MS activated it. No problem.
The point being, if he has a MS activation code, he can go to Flight Simulator X Trial Version, download it, and use his activation code to turn it into the full version.
If he has the money though, I'd suggest buying the FSX Gold version. The only real benefit of the Gold (Acceleration) package is that there won't be any restrictions on what he can run.
The opinion was given, elsewhere, that if MS isn't developing FSX it would be morally ok to use it free.
I don't disagree all that much with that notion. But is it worth it to save so little money?
Laws are made by the people with the guns. And MS (backed by the government (the big guns)) has more than enough lawyers to make life miserable.
I'm guessing that he's young (less than 30
). If he has lost his disks/files and his activation code, this is a great time to learn that you should always keep records as well as back up anything that's important to you.And if you still looses? S$#% Stuff happens.
It's then time to learn that life is not fair. YOU are the most important person looking out for you.
On a practical note. Have I ever downloaded pirateware? Yes.
I used to do it, a long time ago, to see if I wanted to buy the software. Doing so nowadays might be risky for many reasons. But go ahead, your choice.
Where I may have differed from some, is that I wouldn't keep the pirated copy if I liked it. I would buy it.
Why? Because people have a right to make money from what they create. And if I want more from them in the future then they have to make a living.
I also have no problem in keeping & using the freeware version of a program that was once freeware, and is now payware after it has been developed into payware quality.
If I wanted the full version, I'd buy it.
I may, or may not, be in the minority but I also make donations to the creator of some of the freeware that I keep. In fact, if I've recommended a free program, then I've probably made a donation to the author.
....., just re-installed FSX onto my new 'puter.... 
..!
...!
