Florian,
This has been an interesting discussion. Maybe I can put a different spin on it.
As a business owner in the USA I am often faced with questions from employees regarding taxes on wages and benefits. Our Federal tax code is a twisted maze that is an accountants dream as no one else can understand it. Our employees (including myself!) are often frustrated why some benefits are taxable and some are not. The situation is not clear and it is not logical and often it is not fair. The only thing that is essential is that we all must follow the law. If we don't like the law we should not blame the tax enforcement authorities. We should petition the legislatures that can change the law. When our employees complain my answer is simple and not sarcastic. It is the truth. My answer is "if you don't like it call your congressman."
The situation is the same with copyrights. It is against USA and International law to violate copyrights. It is against the law to copy material that is copyrighted, even when you don't profit from it. Unless you own the copyright you don't have the right to copy it. There is no difference between a music file posted on a web site and your copying a book that is out of print. Gord's answer was blunt and your answer was a beautiful rationalization, but you both are wrong. Unless you had permission to copy that book from the owner of the copyright you broke the law. It does not matter that you feel no harm was done.
Do I think you guys are evil criminals deserving of prison? Of course not. Law is often unfair and too often unenforceable and ridiculous. The solution, however, is not rationalization. The solution is legislative action to bring copyright laws into the reality of the information age.
You did the right thing editing Gord's post. Just keep in mind the law and consider the reality of the issues involved. Hopefully someday the law with catch up with the technology. Until it does you would be wise to not allow any posts which offer any copying unless you are sure the copyright owner has granted permission. In the meantime call your legislators and speak your mind!
Thanks,
Buddy
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