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I agree with your last statement. But if I download a copy for my own use and I already own the book, and could have digitized it myself, then there is no theft. You are saying theses digital bits are somehow tainted, like cocaine residue on $100 bills. I disagree.
In the software world distribution is often done by download (with or without DRM -- I have too many dongles!). If the e-book is equivalent to the p-book, and if I am entitled to e-book version of my p-book (the critical point between us I think), then all we have done is altered the distribution system. I am not a pirate but the person who downloads a book they did not already own is a pirate.
I thought some more about your comment about hardcover versus softcover. I feel I AM entitled to print my own hardcover version if I own the softcover. I am not entitled to the resources of the publisher's printer or any additional expense on their part. So to answer your question, yes I feel entitled to a hardcover version if I only own the softcover.
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