Piracy was easier and rampant back then. Adobe (and Microsoft, etc.) knew that the kids who learned on pirated copies would lead to legit sales later.

It was the era of serials and cracks. Astalavista.box.sk. Activators and subscription software came later. Simpler times :)

Nah. Someone have them copy for free (yes piracy) and then they gave copies to their friends.

Piracy was pretty normal back then.