Bandits justify running unofficially because of rising cost of entry fees or difficulty getting an official number at races like the Boston Marathon. The pro-bandit argument is weak and inexcusable. Technically a road race doesn't own the street, but let's use some common sense. Running a race without a number, getting in the pack at the start and running the same course is like taking part at a function without buying a ticket. I'm going to help myself, unofficially.
Road races cost money to enter.
If you don't have the money to buy a bib number, you have no right to take part in the race. Yes, the Boston Marathon has a qualifying standard. So does the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. Not meeting the qualifying standards means not participating. Also, bandits can create havoc for the timers at a race who are trying to get results posted and awards ready after the race.