If incorrectly assume that a product's value is directly related to its cost, I believe it's true that people would be less willing to pirate the game that cost more. Which means they would be willing to pay more.<p>The copyright holder's problem occurs when they create work that has less value than what they spent on it, based on that equation. This, I believe, is the author's point. When the public sees your product as having less value than you do, they will be unwilling to pay the amount you charge, and will pirate your work.