I've been a downloader for years......it's massively widened my musical base, I've bought CD's of bands I'd never heard of before (where possible) and - I hardly ever download modern popular music, because it doesn't appeal to me. I downloaded FFD's last CD, because it's not available in rural W.A and my copy came online from a kiwi in Japan!
With a taste in music history - tell me Einsteins - where do I go to buy a copy of Thomas Edison reciting "Mary had a little Lamb", pre 1914 - hell - pre 1900 recordings of all sorts, obscure comedy tracks we used to have on 78's, long broken. Many recordings, long out of pressing and with no likelihood of ever being re released! - from artists no ones ever heard of now. A lot of recordings I have resorted to downloading after giving up on ever finding a copy for sale, world wide! I think the RIAA and their ilk have long missed the boat - a lot of the bands, complaining, haven't got anything anyone would want to buy , anyway, so, I think they have a damn gall to complain about "illegal downloads" affecting their sales. If I want to spend money on a group - I'd rather go and see them live. That way, I know they will get a bit more of what I've shelled out, than they would an a CD sale.
When it comes to NZ music - I have it available on my computer for download - that way, it can (and does) spread to a worldwide audience. A sample here, a sample there, it's how I discovered what bands are good and what bands just aren't worth the effort.

My ex wife wants "in the Mood", played very badly, on a trumpet!

Moi?......"Angel of Death"...by Slayer.....

I'm interested in seeing if Greg Palasts dire predictions are borne out.....
http://www.gregpalast.com/how-they-stole-the-mid-term-election#more-1530