My take on this is that the revision to the law only allows for physical dongles to be bypassed. From how I interpret it, this doesn't allow for, say, a copy-protected floppy to be bypassed (such as where you need the original floppy to run the software--very common in the 80s).
Also, with regards to your comments about "cracked" software--I agree with Unknown_K that only instructions would be postable, and even there, I'm sensing a bit of a legal gray area. The software itself, with or without bypassed dongle protection, would still be copyrighted.
As I said in another post on this forum not long ago, software copyright terms themselves are what need to be re-evaluated. Patching the existing law is a lot like releasing Mac OS 9.1 (or any post-7.6 version of the Mac OS) was--it built new code on an ancient structure filled with old technology that no longer made sense. In this case, they were built into provisions about books, movies, and music, all of which can survive 75 years under protection without any problem. Software's shelf life is far shorter, therefore, a reform to revise the terms makes perfect sense (mostly because the older programs, when public domain after, say, 15 years, would be perfect for coding classes to examine, charities to place on computers given to the poor free of charge, underfunded schools to use on donated machines, and so forth--not to mention it would help keep environmentally hazardous e-waste out of dumpsters since the useful life of equipment could be extended without having to hunt for long-discarded CDs). There would be major obstacles to overcome, but for now we can dream--and make do with DMCA and its provisions.
DMCA is far from perfect, but these steps are definitely welcome until something better can be drafted. I know I rub off as being a major proponent of copyright law on this forum, which I certainly am, but I am all in favor of some reform so that it works well for everyone.
Just remember--read these exemptions carefully to know your rights and limitations under these new provisions. Legalese is often tough to decode. I'll probably spend more time with the revisions later this week to make sure I'm reading them correctly, just as I do with many laws and bills that are passed/going through Congress. I'll let you folks know if I find anything of note.
