[sweeps]

If a company unknowingly provides a service and the recipient knowingly takes advantage of it, it is unethical (and possibly illegal). Whether the user sought out the service or would otherwise pay for it is irrelevant.

Another example: Joe's next door neighbor hires a company to shovel the snow off of his driveway and sidewalks. The company mistakenly starts shoveling Joe's snow instead, he notices it, and he lets the company go ahead and finish the job. That is unethical, but also if it could be proven in court that he let it happen, he would be financially responsible.

However, having said all that, it's possible the cable company doesn't care. Digital cable is their real money maker. Perhaps it isn't worth the cost to them to block premium services on the analog cable (particularly if it means aggravating the customer). A call to the cable company would confirm that, and probably settle your friend's conscience.