....I also used a 'hacked' version of the aquarium (.99L). I saw it at a LAN party and had to have it right then.
I was so impressed with it - I went to the official site - then this 'unofficial' site. I started reading about the upgrades - lionfish, 3dbackgroud, etc. As soon as the new version came out - I purchased it. I posted how happy I was with the new version, and Jim even commented that I 'just missed' the cut-off date of getting it for $19 instead of the $21.95. But ya know - I figure that extra $2.95 was my punishment for running the hacked version.
I do think that getting the program exposure (even if it's via hacked versions) will, in the long run, make more sales.