In reading through this thread and others over at dead.net, a series of complaints are voiced about how the Dead are all about driving profits.
I won't try to argue this, but to state the obvious: The Grateful Dead is and always has been a business. Many people in the band and supporting the band have depended on the income generated through concert tickets, music and merch sales.
If the argument is that "the music is supposed to be free" I would agree only in the sense that there is a huge amount of free music available to those who want it, and this is so only because the band wanted it that way. If you want it free then download it. To complain about their official release series only being put out to drive profits is silly. Of course they drive profits! This is how successful businesses stay in business. The Dead run a successful business, and my guess is that the employees working for the Dead are not volunteering their time. It's very expensive to put out these beautiful items. If they aren't thinking of the bottom line they won't be able to continue producing beautiful items.
Sorry if I rant. I don't intend to stir the pot. I only wish to point out that you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to enjoy these historical shows in their best possible sound quality and nicely packaged with artwork there is no other choice but to support the profitable brand that is Grateful Dead. Or you can borrow the CDs from friends who do. I doubt anyone in the band will mind. ;)
