Download or Hard copy hmm
I'll take the hard copy any day
But !!!!!!!!!!!
I know for fact one way to keep some Piracy away is to "Globally" release the software on the same day.
Last time there was a long delay in the US/Can etc, Europe had the sim weeks before them this led to squads being split as their European counterparts were flying around without their "across the pond" friends.
I know this wont stop Piracy but it will help to keep everyone in the same time frame be it released within a week at least.