>I would imagine that if someone had the ability to defeat their safeguards they would have the ability to recreate the tools themselves.
Why would you imagine that? People circumvent the DRM on Photoshop, Windows, and lots of other complex software all the time. They most certainly don't have the ability--time, money, expertise, and workforce--to recreate those products.
You're assuming the safeguard is not a startup nag screen asking whether you are a legally authorized user of the app. Something like those idiotic questionnaires you get to fill when flying to the USA
At this level, these tools are more weapons than software. All the client wants is an end, they could care less about the means.