stehvestor, a few comments:
Fact bmg said recently they have 15m protected cd's.
Fact, BMG and others seem to be ramping up with MediaMax, expect those numbers to increase dramatically. Also, I expect when the Apple issue is resolved the increases with be exponential to todays figures
Fact the ipod today is king of the hill. Why would they give into anyone, they are the INDUSTRY STANDARD.
FALSE. Apple/iPod/iTunes are only a SMALL percentage of music co. sales. They ARE ZERO percent of retailers sales. The MUSIC INDUSTRY has set the standard in which they record and replicate THEIR MUSIC, Apple only SELLS what they have to offer. IF the INDUSTRY sets their own copyright protection, Apple will have 2 choices....be complied or be denied.
Fact no merger.
TRUE!......Not yet, but steps are being taken and some have already occured. You can feel pessimistic, I am optimistic, time will tell.
Fact no funding for merger.
FACT. Merger is being funded with dividend shares. I am hopeful information will be released to confirm.