> If you ask me, the publishers want to move to a "rent model" like many software companies and even some Auto makers are moving towards.

Of course they do. From the image in the article:

"This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only."

Key word being licensed. You don't OWN it.

The wealthy don't want you to own anything. They want a nation of renters so that they can continue to see revenue off of everything in perpetuity.