It might depend from person to person? I agree with you, tho. That’s also my preferred method.
However, if the stuff you’re reading is fairly dense and not that well organized, you’re gonna have a harder time than watching a well written educational video or lecture and taking notes along the way.
I pirate all the time. Until recently mostly on public trackers. Had malware once when I was like 12 and that’s about it. Sounds like a skill issue. Also, most cracked games get updates.