So, if I run an extension cord to your house and plug it into your outside outlet I'm not stealing electricity? You didn't have it locked, so I guess it was free for me to use.
There are many examples of neighbors splitting one cable feed to feed more than house or apartment. This is clearly stealing and the new digital system stops this. I suppose the neighbors could just pay for an extra cable box, but at least Comcast gets some revenue. Even if it was simple laziness on Comcast's part by not disconnecting cable feeds now they don't have to physically disconnect lines to shut off service. Not everyone who got service for "free" would pay for cable, but I'm sure a significant number will.