P2P not a license to steal
You said, "When I come across something I like, I buy the CD."
You might buy the CD, but I think you are the exception. Using the same logic, I would love to go drive one of those new Hummer H2s. How about if I go take one off the dealer's lot and drive it around for a few weeks to see if I like it. If I don't, I will just keep it parked in my backyard and let my friends drive it when they feel like test-driving it.
Seems to me that you can to listen to all the new music you want, streamed to you through RealPlayer at AM radio quality, and get an idea if it is worthy of being added to your collection.
I do agree with you however that the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) are a bunch of bumbling fools. They just need to hire a couple of brilliant tech guys to teach them how to take advantage of technology. Until then, their idiocy doesn't give anyone license to steal their property any more than I have license to steal that Hummer H2 from the dealer who is stupid enough to leave the keys in it.
Mike Strout
Tyler, Texas