> What happens when a generation completely comfortable with remix culture becomes a majority of the electorate, instead of the fringe youth? What happens when they start getting elected to office? (Maybe "I downloaded but didn't share" will be the new "I smoked, but didn't inhale.")
Yes, that's exactly what happens: nothing. The US has had (publicly confessed) former drug users as presidents for over a decade and a half now, and look at how it changed the "War on drugs": if anything, it intensified.
The War on Drugs is not a good analog for IP laws. As difficult as it is for the government to effectively ban substances, it is much, much harder to prevent people from sharing files over the internet.
The War on Drugs is incredibly ineffective, but not nearly as ineffective as any technical "solution" to piracy that would make it impossible for people to share files. Sharing files _is_ the internet. As long as people can connect their computers, almost at will, there will be ways for them to share copyrighted material.
It's a perfect analog, politically. The war on drugs is fought much more vigorously than it should be, considering how much good it does or how much public support it has, because it is very profitable for some powerful lobby groups. The fight against piracy, same thing.
Yes, that's exactly what happens: nothing. The US has had (publicly confessed) former drug users as presidents for over a decade and a half now, and look at how it changed the "War on drugs": if anything, it intensified.
This is just wishful thinking.