Well, if I made a game, I'd feel bad if others gave it away for free, especially if I could make profit from it. But if I don't make a dime out of it anymore, why worry about emulation - they're old-school games essentially unavailable on the market anymore. I would be glad that others are playing my games. Up to that point, I think it's permissible.

But technically, aren't the games considered as intellectual property? At least textbooks are, and photocopying old textbooks is still a violation of copyright law.

Either way, it's a sticky issue. And btw, you don't have to beat the living daylights out of Thriveslam and get all riled up about his comments. I'm sure that he's just blowing hot air - just look at his sig.