I think that many people (myself included) occasionally use illegal downloads for such 'try before buy' purpose. If I hear a new album I like or radio, I'll buy it. If I hear them talking about a hot new performer I know nothing about, I will try to download a tune or two (and either dump them or buy the album). I am not ashamed of such use of technically illegal downloads either, because I believe they lead to buying more CDs (but with fewer 'misses').