Garmin are forcing evermore restrictions on their mapping products, presumably, because they feel that such measures protect their intellectual property. The reality, imho, is that it just inconveniences their paying customers and, I have little doubt, the clever people out there would easily overcome such restrictions.
If they want to protect their copyright, I don't know why they don't just encrypt the maps with a key generated when you register. This key is associated to your account and BaseCamp checks this (needs this) to unencrypt the maps. Transfer to devices is controlled like DRM music is now. This would allow complete freedom of where the maps are stored (or copied, or pirated, or posted on public forums) because they are encrypted. Garmin would have complete control because their IP is protected and pirated copies could be traced back to the original account holder (PKI key-pairs are impossible to forge - with current technology) and this whole process would be completely transparent to legitimate customers.
GARMIN> put your customers first, instead of second (third, fourth..) ahead of your own selfish needs.
