In truth, I am kinda bored by these debate. They repeat themselves ad nauseam every time we have them. I wish we see new arguments for a change.
Now, I'm definitely being too glib. But I think you are as well: it's a complicated issue, and simplifying it down to your view while being almost unbearably condescending helps nobody.
Also, the argument isn't that businesses shouldn't be able to use that model, it's that the government shouldn't be helping with draconian laws.
And yet, despite the fact that it is a business model, society does not condone it. The fundamental point, of which this is a very extreme example, is that there is no inherent right to a business model.
I said something to the effect of "I have a problem with the mentality that dictates other people's business models to them when we disapprove of the one they're currently using".
You responded with a glib comment to the effect of "You're suggesting we have to respect everyone's business models and make sure they work, so everyone should just run a Ponzi Scheme".
It does not take a cutting intellect to see the problem with your logic. Essentially what you're engaging in is the time-honored message- board- forensics tactic of "redefining words to fit your argument". If it makes you feel better to do that, so be it, but the only people you're going to persuade with that tactic are people who don't care what you say as long as it somehow supports file sharing. I wouldn't want to waste my time writing those kinds of comments, but I can't tell you how to spend your time.
Not only that, but this story is a perfect illustration of someone who has exercised their right to simply not buy music provided under these models. She has a right to this just as much as rightsholders have a right to feed a market failure by not being reasonable in adapting their business models to reality.
(yes, my account is less than a year old but this is a fresh start, my other account is 6x older)
Perhaps HN is closer to something like /. now, but I don't mind that. But it is really nothing like reddit (or at least reddit's front page).
But I'm sure the whole thing will wrap up nicely with Hacker News solving the problem of digital music sales once and for all.
(I didn't flag; the articles themselves are interesting, even if I utterly despair for the quality of debate they'll inspire here.)