My Feelings and Thoughts about Copyright

Basically I feel the law is an ass, why should I feel any differently for Copyright? The Berne Convention clearly recommends a 70 year after the death of its author. Many countries only go part way, but cinematograph and photography comes off badly. Photography comes off the worst with only 25 years from the date of publication, why is this? As much love, devotion, work and time goes into producing a photograph as does a painting, so why the anomaly in the time periods?
I would never “borrow” somebody else’s work and call it my own, this is the worst kind of theft.
However I would copy/download images or text to use as inspiration, maybe to go into a folder. But I always acknowledge where I have obtains my images or text.
Currently I am working on a photographic montage and always say that my inspiration comes from David Hockney.
Would I copy programmes or music? Yes and I have no qualms about it, however I only copy for my own use and not to make money by mass copying and making money. The cost of programmes especially if you are a student is almost prohibitive and I would copy if I could. However I have just spent £200 on a student Adobe package and that hurt.
The cost of the main program is about £1500 for CS3. Bearing in mind that CS2 was only brought out just over a year ago and the professional would have to fork out £700 for get the upgrade from CS2 to CS3. This is extortion!
I would be very hurt if somebody copied my work and passed it off as theirs. Some would say that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, but I do not see it that way.
Would I “rat” on somebody who copies programs or music, no I wouldn’t.
Would I “rat” on somebody I know to be copying others work and passing it off as their own? Oh hell yes… no problems!!!