I don't think it's compensation so much as lack of exposure making people kind of pathetic. Sheltering everybody from every tiny dangerous word and concept means that any accidental exposure or leakage into public is perceived as horrendously evil and malicious.

the era of collecting tapes and CDs

I've been telling myself since I was a kid that I someday want to buy all the physical copies of everything I've 'stolen' through digital downloads over the years. Books included. I want a house full of my influences and to know I've paid my dues. It would also be an awesome looking house full of such things.

Still waiting on that day...