First, that the advances of technology are outpacing the scenarios which they are used. As I have voiced elsewhere here, it is alarming to see billions and trillions of dollars flowing towards people who seem incapable of balancing, let-alone considering, the higher-order consequences of their actions, like, say, shutting-down the home-automation systems your customers bought as a consequence of being absorbed by a competitor. Or, denying random people things and services they used to have access to.
More disturbingly, it seems that many do see these later effects, and they're sacrificing their customers' interests on the altar of the almighty dollar. Is this really what we want?
Secondly, modern media consumption via streaming is simpler, yes, if you're a first-world citizen with money and typical interests. It does a disservice to people who do not fit this mold, and they are legion. The older, peer-to-peer model of file-sharing (and, in some cases, sneakernets) thrives and survives in this adverse environment, in addition to providing personal independence and privacy.
Thirdly, the chain of variables in a streaming economy is so much longer than a world of plastic shiny discs. As an example, to watch a movie via a DVD you bought or rented, you need:
* viewing device with electricity and a screen (one-time cost)
* a DVD player, properly connected (one-time cost)
* software on said device able to execute and play the disc (one-time cost and not even a consideration historically)
* the disc, in a workable condition (edit: and a compatible region), and the funds or means to acquire it (one-time cost)
* knowledge to operate the DVD player
... and thats it. Compare with Netflix, Hulu, et al:
* viewing device with electricity, internet access, and a screen (one-time cost)
* a working, high-bandwidth internet account that can reach your servers with an acceptable latency (recurring cost)
* a current account with your service provider(s) of choice (1x+ recurring cost)
* current software, able to execute, on said device (recurring cost due to updates)
* a provider that is online and accessible
* knowledge to operate the media player, but also possibly the web browser, on a phone, or tablet, or computer (one-time cost)
* knowledge of current account credentials (sometimes difficult for some)
The cost side of streaming media is so much higer, and entails significant recurring obligations. If you can't pay your streaming bill, much of this goes away. There are many more points of failure. This is simply unacceptable in many parts of the world.