Ahh, but different rules apply to plays, which are published. You simply have to acknowledge that it isn't yours.

Same goes for information you use in papers and on websites.

Music is different. In the past, we didn't all know it was illegal. Now we do.

Should they go after 12 year olds? no.

Should the laws be changed to allow you to download for free, without violating federal law? Perhaps.

But it IS the law now. It seems odd that we choose which laws to ignore and have rationalizations for our choices. That's all.