@ Jibz, you completely missed my point, but I almost knew this is going to turn into a mini-flame against me
I didn't say I should be entitled to use something for free nor did I complain about any nag screens or shareware.
My point was an author should decide what he wants and not disable a software few years later, I have no problem having to decide after 30 days (when it says 30 days) to pay for it or go for alternatives. And since you mentioned it yes I am against a 'third' option, either it's freeware or shareware that actually does expire (or may be even does not have a trial period at all).
Khaled is a nice guy that I (and you and others) first read about years ago and he has let people continue using his software by letting the continue button stay enabled after the 30 days, but I (I am not even saying anybody cares what I think, but posting here until mouser lets me
) am kind of disappointed to see this thing about mIRC.
I am aware of the freeware alternatives and for example AdiIRC and HydraIRC are pretty decent ones.