> The removal of the need to purchase a physical good from the process is arguably the worst thing to happen to music discovery.

The hell are you talking about? Since I joined social music sites like soundcloud, I’ve discovered music I never knew it existed. I’ve purchased like 5 new albums this year. Physical-only media belongs with the RIAA and their outdated “get a good track, pay for 9 crappy tracks too” 20th century model. Good riddance.