Furthermore, they use the RIAA as a sort of trial balloon to feel out the larger questions of digital rights and intellectual property. That is to say: they will fight with disproportionate resources to protect the comparatively tiny industry, because the implications if they win are far larger than music.

And should they lose, the labels are a minor piece of the pie, and they can send another pawn into the fray with an adjusted argument. (say, their movie or TV units)