Why isn't there a way to update an old software and then receive just compensation for your hard work updating that software? You ought to be able to resell an abandoned software if you worked hard on an update for it.
Humanity already figured this out for physical assets. Like remodeling your apartment or fixing a car you make payments on. You can fix things that don't belong to you and people can charge money for that, and that's fine. But god damn if you touch someone else's software? WTF?