I just build all my anticipation for the leak! If you anticipate the leak, you still get the feeling of anticipation! (we have all been anticipating this thing for years!), the only difference is it adds the element of surprise of not knowing WHEN it will happen.
This is the digital age, "new media is the big idea". While it is nice to remember the "old days" when we waited for the release day and bought it in the shops, this is now the modern equivelent to that. All the same emotions are involved with these two experiences, only the form of media has changed. I don't personally want to get stuck in the frame of mind that there is only one right way to do things and any new way is inferior.
Now the moral issue of copyrights and such is a total different argument. I am just saying that having the "classic" new album experience is not necessary. Downloading leaked songs can be just as satisfying if done properly.
