South Park, Colbert Report, and 'Content Rejected Due to Copyright Infringement'

What exactly is the big deal about copyright infringement?  Since its acquisition, YouTube seems to have removed all kinds of content that I previously enjoyed.

Mostly its television shows, mostly from Comedy Central.  Had it not been for southparkvideos.blogspot.com, where I could watch South Park YouTube clips, I would still hate South Park and find it vulgar.  However, this summer, I remembered there was a Casa Bonita episode (I am from Colorado...and like everyone my age has had a birthday party there) and, having found YouTube, looked to see if the episode was there.  It was.  I then found the above blog, where nearly EVERY South Park episode on YouTube was hosted.  I probably watched at least 30.

Turns out, that when you're old enough to understand social commentary, the jokes are hilarious, and not just about assholes and whores.

However, all the video content has been rejected, and I'm laughing no more.  Due to YouTube, and the illegal Casa Bonita video, I now watch Comedy Central on Wed nights to catch the new South Park.  Comedy Central you have one more viewer.  I may even buy a best of DVD (if there is one).  Had that episode NOT been there, I would never watch the show. 

Did it hurt ratings to have episodes available online?  I doubt it.  Is it worth losing others like me who would only find the show through such a site?  I don't know.