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Dear Rogue Librarian, thank you for being able to see both sides of the story.
I certainly don't expect, Kali Yuga, the world to revolve around my wishes. No-one is obliged to sell me anything that they don't want to.
It is very simplistic of me, I know, that I would think that the overall main aim of publishers and authors is to sell their work. I would just like an equal opportunity to be able to buy that work.
I am very frustrated that I don't have access to a great number of books that I would like to buy. I am more frustrated by the seeming indifference of some big publishers to consumers.
I have more than once written quite polite requests for information as to when a book will be released. I never get a reply. I don't expect the publisher to be able to provide me with a precise date to the millisecond. I would be disappointed, but not annoyed if they even advised that they had no idea at all when the book would be available. What I do find aggravating is their complete lack of response and seeming indifference.
Authors, on the other hand, I have found to be very polite and have always replied. The impression I have from the authors is that it is down to the publisher as to when their books will be released.
One author has many (paper book) followers in Australia and had no idea that her work was unavailable in ebook form here. She told me that her publisher, Penguin, had worldwide rights and suggested that I write to them. I did, but as usual was completely ignored. I am still unable to obtain this author's work in ebook form and I have been trying now not just for weeks or months but years.
Perhaps my statement, that you seemed to find so ludicrous, that the losses of sales must be staggering is an exaggeration. However, I am sure I am not the only person in Australia desperately trying to obtain authorised copies of certain ebooks to no avail.
From some of the other posts, I gather that people in other countries - non U.S. of course - have the same problem. Yes, Australia does not have a large population, but last time I heard there were more than a few people in the U.K. etc. Add us all up, and I would think that is a large number of lost sales.
It is easy to be blithe when one is unaffected by the problem, of course.
I think unavailability of authorised books does increase piracy. It is obviously not the only reason or the main reason, but I think that it does contribute to it. I don't believe that cost alone is the only reason for piracy.
In the end, however, it is the feeling of being treated with no respect or consideration that leaves a sour taste, and it certainly doesn't encourage any loyalty. Respect is a two way street.
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