I am not ashamed of downloading mp3s off the net. In fact, I am quite proud of my new mechanism for discovering new artists RISK FREE. If I like their work, I'll pay for it. For two reasons:

The punks out there ripping the stuff and putting it on the net often don't know what they are doing and/or are sloppy with the tags. When I buy the disc, I'll do a proper job of archiving it.

Also, I do like to think I am supporting the artists, despite a very small fraction of my money going to support them, and a large part of my money going towards preventing what I am doing in the first place.

My conscience is clear. I used to record from FM all the time and make mixed tapes which lead to me buying the work of the artists. mp3s are no different, just less lossy and no irritating commercials or cross-fades to edit out.