Eric,
Not to arm wrestle, but I think the shoplifting analogy is a stretch; most
of the shrinkage comes from the pro "gangs" that rove through the malls
like locusts on the crops, imo. Some of those get caught, but the South
American gangs keep sending more.

I'm really wondering about this download stuff, (the non-license/illegal
versions). I'm not sure I have a good argument or opin, either way.
I may be ambivalent because I don't have/use Mp3/Ipod type music
and I've never downloaded a tune for free or, pay.

In the case of the "record" companies, your point is pretty well taken:
it's both...to discourage JoeSixPack, ala the IRS, and it's all about the
lost revs/money.
BR,mD