I wouldn't bother. I'd send Symantec an email saying that you aren't buying it because of the activation. It's not like with Windows where that's the only game in town*. Tell them you're going to use AV from some other manufacturer that doesn't use the BS Product Activation crap.
I really don't understand the issues people have with activation. It's what, three mouse clicks (for Windows XP)? Is that so hard? I mean, unless you are using software illegally (DISCLAIMER: I am NOT saying anyone is) then what's the big deal? I just don't get it. Everyone was up in arms when Microsoft did it (and, I'll not there are other comapnies that did this before Microsoft. They just weren't Microsoft (and if Microsoft does it, it's bad, if company X does it, it's not bad) so no one bothered to complain. Or I suppose maybe they did, but they were not as big as MS so it didn't matter as much. But, I digress... Everyone was b!tchin and moanin about having to activate Windows. Now, for the most part, they feel stupid, because it's a non-issue. It is so simple that any bozo with two brain cells to rub together can do it. People just fear and loathe what they don't understand. Or what makes it harder for people to steal (see DISCLAIMER). If you don't want to upgrade, or don't like Symantec's products, by all means, don't buy it. I wouldn't base my buying decision on product activation alone. I can handle a few added mouse clicks and don't feel the need to pirate sofware, there is plenty of free stuff (and not just for Linux, since I don't use Linux).
\Dan