Actually, no, it doesn't make sense at all—the only purpose of the policy is to make more money.
If you don't like it, go to Linux or Apple OS X. That's the simple answer.
Your counter-argument analogy about cars makes no sense.
As for "I'm not sure I know anyone personally who is using a legal version of Windows" etc. etc. ......that's just your view of the world. My view is that I've seen an increase in crack-down activity by Microsoft and others in the software industry over the last few years. Obviously businesses are more likely to be audited than individuals, but that's no reason for individuals to boast and be proud of the fact that they are running unlicensed software.