Honestly, I disagree. I will speak for myself, but I can stay busy, have a good time while pirating games, and keep the money for myself (perhaps spend it on something else). Sales or not, there's still the whole issue with Denuvo DRM (at least for me) and sales are not what they used to be. I have had Steam for years too and only bought a few games and Wallpaper Engine. Not everyone keeps purchasing games on Steam and never play them.

I just think that piracy is the better option nowadays, economically (keeping money for yourself), ownership of the game(s), and not having to deal with Denuvo DRM.