Of course I would use linux if I were in the 3rd world. Nobody I know of
uses linux because they can't afford microsoft, they use it because they
prefer it.

Actually, microsoft has taken some baby steps, but they still have a
long way to go before I would consider using microsoft windows as my
default operating system.

I have been using linux for some years and find it flexible, stable and
capable. Whenever I've had occasion to use microsoft windows, I feel
like one of those parents crammed into a tiny kindergarten desk at open
house. In short, I can't wait to get out of there and get back to the
comfortable environment of linux.

You maintain that pirated software is free, but what happens when a
virus or worm destroys your personal data? Is there not a cost
associated with that loss?