From DigitalMusicNews.com about the Sony XCP settlement:

The proposal also calls for more generous remedies for those that own XCP discs. Already, Sony BMG has instituted a mail-in program that offers “clean” replacement copies of XCP-protected CDs, as well as unprotected MP3s of the relevant songs. But the proposal also gives consumers the option of a cash payout of $7.50 per purchased XCP disc, along with an album download from a list of digital music stores.

Alternatively, consumers can also grab three album downloads in exchange for the previously-purchased CD. The list of stores has not been finalized, though the settlement requires Sony BMG to “use commercially reasonable efforts to offer Apple Computer, Inc.’s popular iTunes as one of the download services available to Settlement Class Members.” Consumers that own a CD carrying the SunnComm MediaMax 3.0 or 5.0 protection system are entitled to milder remedies, including unprotected MP3s of the songs in question, and one additional album download from a digital download store.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying not to let my 63 day battle with Sony take over my life. Since I don’t want to boycott Sony/BMI artists (although I’m tempted), I would love the opportunity for Sony to pay their artists compensation for me to download their music. Who knows, giving music lovers a free taste (gasp! Even from iTunes!) has proven to turn into album/concert sales before! And the artists care, too!