I don't think such an argument would hold water. The original PlayStation's success came from being the first system really designed for 3D, having a very competitive price, being incredibly open to third parties, and having Sony's marketing power behind it. Piracy was, as always, an overstated factor.

I still remember buying games for 10Bs. ($2 back then) in Bolivia back in the day.

Piracy and the great game catalog!