The Trumpet Winsock story had to do with commercial actors "stealing" software and mass-redistributing it for profit.

This story has to do with people "stealing" software for their own private use without paying.

Given the existing level of confusion in all piracy discussions, I believe it is counterproductive to lump these two scenarios together.

"commercial actors "stealing" software and mass-redistributing it for profit."

So basically exactly the same as torrent sites?

Torrent sites don't have a financial incentive to get you to take the product, do they?

Other than the millions/billions of ad impressions every month they show along the way? No.

Do I make more money if a person as opposed to a commercial actor uses my software without paying?