It is not stealing. It is copyright infringement. Big difference.

There is no loss of value for the copyright holder.

In the connected international world there is a limited period when something is relevant and in this world 18 months is a long time. If something is valuable right now then it with very high probability has close to no value in 18 months. Its irrelevant.

Imagine if news is withheld for 18 months. What value it would have by then? Movies are similar. If a movie is release then it is discussed all over the world, in 18 months nobody cares. It's like buying stale food.

Of course, if you miss out and still want it then sure, go ahead, but being forced to wait is close to criminal offense.

Disclaimer: I don't torrent.