So I decided to actually read that article, and I must say... it's got to be one of the most amateurish blog posts that I've read in quite a while. x_x My colleague at work lol'd at it, too.
SpyNet is an implementation of reputation-based security and allows for efficient data gathering for protection purposes. If you were to be silly and choose to call it spyware due to it sending relevant info back to the security devs, you'd have to call many other antivirus solutions spyware, too. xP This kind of system helps AV vendors deploy develop signatures quicker, and offer more insight to the community through reputation data.
[Image: http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8938/capturejg.jpg]
zomg, you can even disable it!
And the anti-piracy comment is noobcaek material in more ways than one:
First of all, the MSE front page itself says that it's only for people who have a valid copy of Windows installed, so I don't see why anyone is surprised or why it's a big deal.
Second, Windows Update checks to make sure that your copy of Windows is valid--does this mean people should be scared and not use Windows Update anymore? LOL
Third, notifying people that a product they bought is counterfeit is the proper thing to do. Pirated installations of Windows are less secure. Imagine buying a prebuilt PC, being told that a copy of the OS was included in the price, except they stuck on a bootleg copy instead. It's like getting ripped off x2. This way a customer can demand a refund, demand a proper copy of the OS, or report the shop.
[SIZE="1"]I wish other products, like SD cards, came with a similar feature. Too many fakes from China online. :S[/SIZE]
Finally... provided that it's your choice, you're supposed to be using a legit copy in the first place. Again, I don't see what's the big deal here.
MSE is one of the best, if not the best free security solution. Don't believe the uninformed and the incompetent blogger(s) on this matter. :P