crack down like the KGB on pirates so that it really makes it not worth it to steal music

...

the real question that needs be asked is how can we as music fans find a better way to listen to the unknown music that we love

Well, the traditional way is to listen to music for free and decided whether or not you like it. But ClearChannel, et al., don't want us to listen to stuff we haven't already heard and isn't approved for new airplay. So the only thing left is to let your friends borrow your music. But that violates your first thesis.