I believe that internet nerds create and post opinions for public consumption in order to stroke their own egos.

Agreed. And since I spend an inordinate amount of time (and technically, money) doing exactly that for no financial compensation at all, I suppose that's why it's not so hard to comprehend the idea that tons of musicians out there would continue to record and release music for no compensation.

"But, but...I went to school, I spent years learning to write well, to compose my thoughts, use understandable grammar, and spell reasonably well! And you're just stealing my ideas FOR FREE?!?!?"

"Uh, yeah dude."

"Oh, ok. That's cool."

Neil