The idea that we cannot value the welfare of computers seems ludicrously naive and misinterpretative.

I am always up for being ludicrous :-P

So, what is the welfare of a computer? Does it involve a well-regulated power supply? Good ventilation in a case? Is overclocking an example of inhumane treatment?

Or maybe you want to talk about software and the awful assault on its dignity by an invasive debugger...