This article really opened my eyes on the music piracy debate. I've acquired my music through alternate channels for as long as I can remember. I've always had a quick response to anyone who criticized the way "my generation" shared music. Every excuse he debunks is one I've used over the years.
I could do without the comparison to looting, because I still strongly believe there is a moral difference between physical and digital goods. And the conspiracy theory stuff about big companies profiting is garbage. Both Google and Apple have channels for selling music legitimately. I highly doubt either one supports the illegal mp3 sites mentioned in the article. Let's be honest, 100% of your bandwidth is not allocated to pirating. These arguments have no traction.
Recently my number one complaint with the music industry focuses around the RIAA, their lobbying/legal entity. Suing "fans" for ungodly sums of money seemingly chosen arbitrarily, claiming damages for sharing songs; supporting SOPA and a broken internet in the hopes that their antiquated business model can continue uninterrupted. The fact that a fraction of the money I spend on an album goes to supporting these wack-jobs is enough to make me think twice.
All that being said, I recently signed myself, along with some family members, up for Rdio paid accounts. I hope they do a better job than Spotify of supporting artists.