It's music. When you say, "I like [band]", it's not an advertisement for the RIAA. That's probably one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard
I enjoy this topic because it finally brings to light how ridiculous it is for this entity to profit just because someone releases music. They aren't needed. Artists can release albums without being tied to a label. They can go on tour and disconnect themselves from this non-real entity.
Word of mouth is a better form of self-advertisement, but probably slower than blasting, "buy this!!" to millions of idiots watching MTV. The type who stick with the word of mouth approach will last a lifetime and won't fade out like mass marketed approach.
Their methods are old and stale. Their failed aggressive position in this matter will fall apart in the coming years because you simply cannot track every "offender" in music distribution and proving an offender broke the law is, believe it or not, a very difficult thing for them to do (most people admit guilt and settle rather than fight it).
You're either the type of person who blindly follows the law and disagrees with the downloading, or you're the type with common sense that isn't really bothered by it. People get their panties twisted up over this, but the fact of the matter is - there isn't much you, the law, or any lawsuit can do about it. Period.
Personally, I download my music and support the artist while they are on tour. If it's not good enough, then I dunno what to say other than "Take it or leave it," because that's simply how it is and how it will remain.
Going after Sat. Radio is pointless. Anything they do at this point is a last attempt to maintain a dying hold on what was once a mighty profitable empire.
Wave goodbye. It's over.