Ok, spath has advised me on some technical aspects of starforce mini-images and here's the ruling-
Starforce mini-images- Allowed - Instructions upon how to make and use starforce mini-images of cds that you own.
- Not allowed - Posts or links to mini-images and associated .mds files.
Note that whilst neither a starforce mini-image nor the accompanying .mds file contain any part of the program (since the program is wholly deleted from the image in making the mini-image), we will not host or allow links to these files.
Unlike the difficulties that many encounter with making a good .bwa of securom 4.8x/5.x protected cds, we do not envisage any particular problems for people who own an original starforce protected cd in making a working mini-image of that cd (assuming, that is, that they are willing to physically disconnect all their ide roms first).
Accordingly, we take the view that permitting the posting of or links to starforce mini-images and their accompanying .mds files would serve no practical purpose other than to promote software "piracy".