It is funny that different watches mean different things in certain circles. In my circle of friends nobody has an IWC watch. Many Cartiers, 1 Rolex wearer, and a lot of Omegas. But no IWC. But different strokes for different folks. That is what makes this a great hobby.
Anybody that can honestly think that we are "helping" the company by buying fakes of their products are insane. Morals aside, none of us are going to stop, but that is the truth.
Of course it is theft. It is the same thing saying that you invented a product. A company copies the exact same product and says, "well we are helping you advertise now".