What will make you pay for software?

The current iteration of DRM (digital right management, aka "Digital Restriction Management") can be best described as a necessary evil. DRM pushers take the view that your computer is public property - They have the right to take full control of your computer in order to eliminate the possibility of you viewing pirated materials on it.

I do not disagree with the need to stop piracy. As a software developer, I believe piracy is a huge issue discourages people from creating good software fir a living. At the same time, as an American, I believe trading privacy and liberty for security is foolish. There needs to be a better solution.

It makes me think, if there is no DRM and it is easy to copy software without paying for it, what will a company have to do to get you to pay for its program?