Actually, I have checked out almost all the spyware programs over the last two years or so.
I both install them in my computer as well as buy some ads and I watch what happens.
That way I know who uses them, who is being targeted by whom, how much money they must be spending and what their ROI must be.
I have been largely aware of which affiliates use which thiefware for years. I am aware who uses it to carry out personal vendettas against certain programs. I don’t talk about it much any more – trying to fight it is impossible. Too many affiliates have a personal interest in it.
The good news is that ROI gets lousier and lousier. I think that the golden days for this type of theft are gone.
Not that this will end theft…. people will always find a way to steal from other affiliates.