I have to agree with the gp on this one.  It's still software theft (at least in my book) to copy a CD/DVD instead of shoplifting one from the store.  I can't really find a logical distinction between that and stealing music.<p>The verdict amount, however, is ridiculous.  But so far, it's just been debate.  I'd love to see a study on how many actual copies of music are made through a given file share, and how many of the downloaders avoided a purchase they would've made otherwise.