The tie-in to GFWL is probably due to the billing system Bethesda is using. They don't have their own infrastructure in place and already use GFWL for XBox360, so it makes more sense for them to use that system instead of managing billing and payment on their own.
As for the others trying to reason or draw sympathy from these admitted thieves, there's really no point, as you simply cannot reason with the irrational or expect any sympathy from those who lack the moral fortitude to resist stealing to begin with.
Just label them what they are (petty thieves) and treat them accordingly, like trash, then watch them hang themselves with their laughable justifications for stealing.
As for the others trying to reason or draw sympathy from these admitted thieves, there's really no point, as you simply cannot reason with the irrational or expect any sympathy from those who lack the moral fortitude to resist stealing to begin with.
Just label them what they are (petty thieves) and treat them accordingly, like trash, then watch them hang themselves with their laughable justifications for stealing.