I have heard the news that Microsoft keen to stop the pirated software in many countries, but I think it is very expensive that is why people cannot buy it. Imagine, in third world countries where average wage is 200$ per month can buy 200$ product?? That is why they use pirated versions..
Well, where I come from I think Office 2010 prices are quite reasonable, certainly a lot better than when Office 2007 was released, with Office 2010 they had or still have a lot of cheap ways to get it with student deals etc. Edit: I personally use the Starter Edition as its all I need for now, but I do have a copy of Pro Plus & IORRT in case I should ever require it