This is somewhat overblown analogy
Somewhat? you've go to be kidding

but depicts similar anti-social behaviour in many software manufacturers
So it is "anti-social" that I want to have enough revenue that the company does not go bankrupt?


When a program loses popularity and reaches stage when selling it just doesn't pay, they prefer to stop making it available in -any- way (leaving everyone who needs it out in the cold), than just to release it for free or pass the rights to someone interested in continued selling it.
So, when I come out with my new and improved product, I should, instead of selling it, let everyone have my previous product for free???

You are waaaay off.

If you can guarantee me that a student I give something to will NEVER use it for commercial purposes and NEVER give it to someone else, I am sure you can also guarantee me that the moon is made of green cheese.

There are so many that refuse to accept that it cost money to make things and that such costs have to be recovered.

Erik