The RIAA and MPAA represent the distribution channels for much of the multimedia technology (ask yourself why the world has not been flooded with audio and video merchandise). The technology industry uses them to filter the "needs", and provide a neat way to budget and plan. Otherwise, they'd have to make guesses as to what products and features they might put into the market. It's their warped ideas on maximizing profits. If, on the other hand, we could reach out and put the multimedia tools in the hands of the public, the RIAA and MPAA would be forced out of the equation. Better we think about how best to "arm" the public.