i guess if it has to be explained..you wouldn't truly understand anyhow.
(not trying to sound condescending)
FWIW, I understand your explanation...partially
I compare your response a little to my favorite piece of clothing. It's a Duckhead hoodie that's probably 100 years old (OK maybe 20) that has holes in it. It's mine...I've worn it forever...I like it...it's part of my identity...why would I ever, E-V-E-R throw it out?
Having said this, my wife, bless her heart, simply can't fathom why I would ever be seen in public with it on.
It seems that the ability to keep masters is a motivator for people, but I guess what I still don't understand is the logic behind that. Since they're digital tapes...what's a master? For example, I consider my master to be my raw untouched digital file...which is stored on my harddrive which is backed up. So I DEFINITELY keep my raw masters too...in two places. Harddrive space being so much less expensive than DAT tape, still not sure I understand the 'to keep my masters' logic.
I don't mean to sound like I'm challenging the logic...just trying to understand if there's something that I haven't considered.