I personally don't have too much of a problem hacking for informational purposes, IE how stuff works. I DO have a problem with using that knowledge to screw other people over.
If one enters another's computer without permission and takes something (information) they are doing the same thing as a burglar who enters another's home and takes their material posessions.
The only difference is that the hacker doesn't get shot. AND, that's too bad because their potential for doing damage to persons is far, far greater than that of a burglar taking just material items.
Hackers, crackers - I don't care what you call them - are THIEVES! They deserve the same punishments as all thieves.