Some Audi S6 would be sold for $5,000 by desperate salespeople who need to get it off the lot. I just left it out because option A isn&#x27;t all that realistic in either scenario.<p>Option &quot;D&quot; (offering to pay, taking for free) comes with knowing that the artist might not be able to support themselves to make more. I&#x27;ve always supported artists&#x2F;studios I want to see create <i>more</i> art and I think any <i>adult</i> pirating understands the economy enough to know this - and most teenagers understand it on some level (but also understandbly aren&#x27;t usually made of money).<p>One could also argue that increased exposure is a form of indirect profit. If 3,000,000 people steal a copy of the painting someone might be willing to buy that painting for $100,000 for bragging rights. Hey guys, I own the <i>original</i> painting! This exposure could <i>increase</i> their potential sales.<p>The issue of pirates is never black and white. Frankly, the music industry would never see $0.01 from me if I couldn&#x27;t pirate&#x2F;listen to free on YT and decide &quot;I wish to support this artist and hopefully hear a new album from them in the future.&quot;<p>I know I&#x27;m not the only person who would never spend a single penny otherwise.