I would never be down with digital only copies, I don't even make use of the free ones that come with certain releases.
I started collecting videos at the age of 13, I remember my first purchases and then when I started to get more into horror I spent my time tracking down films that were at the time banned but rather tame in comparison to what has now been released. Getting copies of copies from a bloke I met on the internet to gifts of copied Giallo for my 21st, it has always been a special community spirit when it comes to tracking down obscure and or banned horror. I struggled going from video to dvd, I liked my bulky boxes, I still have some but there were certain things being released on DVD that I had to have.
Same thing with music, I could rarely be digital only, my preference is vinyl but I have doubled up with CD copies recently as my records are tucked away at the moment sadly (I've been seriously collecting for around 16 years). I will sometimes lazily buy an mp3 copy of a song for a playlist rather than dig out a CD.
Going back to DVDs I like having a physical copy even though it takes up room, I stand and browse my shelves as I rarely know exactly what I want to watch, heck the other week I ate a bag of popcorn whilst browsing.
I agree that it is people like us, collectors that collect with purpose that will keep buying physical copies but are we enough to keep the small labels going?
I'd hate digital only but if digital as well is an option it might help the smaller labels gather interest. I know some people are willing to take a risk for rental but not to own. A modern version of standing around in Music Zone picking up a chancing cheap Vipco releases!
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