You can make plenty of noise, but that is the deal.  The software license
is tied to a particular machine (by HP SUSAN number),  you may not transfer
the license from another box.  All methods that you might find to work
around are illegal AND HP has been taking businesses that assist in
illegally upgrading user counts to court  --- after a visit by U.S.
Marshall to confiscate the software!

Here are thing you can do that might ease the pain.

1.  Talk to the sales person and see if they have any room to provide
discounts.

2.  977's are nearing end of support, consider trading up to a 979 and try
to cut a deal for better license at that time.

3.  Check to see if you are licensed for software you don't need.  For
example if your current license is for Allbase, ISQL and FOS, but you are
only using ISQL and FOS then change it and get another quote.

By the way, communication products like NS, SNA, etc are also licensed by
user count.