That argument works only in defense, not in offense. Look: A: Pirating is wrong! B: But I have no alternatives A: So what? You are right, of course: so what

That argument works only in defense, not in offense. Look: A: Pirating is wrong! B: But I have no alternatives A: So what? You are right, of course: so what? But if "so what?" is an option, then the entire discussion becomes: A: Pirating is wrong! B: So what? B doesn't care about this discussion in the first place. A wants to make a point. That means you can't use "so what?". This is what lultimouomo meant when he said "the excuse is weak, but the fault itself is also considered weak." [para] Again, not saying I disagree. Of course; so what? But, in that case: people pirate. So what? You're the one making a point. If your point is just "it's illegal": everyone knows that already. So what?