If they know how many years they'll hold the rights, that information should be given to the consumer, i.e., "you will have access to this media product for at least N years." Then the consumer can make an informed decision (is $24.99 worth it to own a movie for 6 years? Etc). Otherwise it's just a gamble. Everything else you can rent (cars, tools, equipment, venues, clothing, dumpsters) comes with very clear temporal terms. Imagine if rental car companies could remotely brick your rental car halfway through your vacation.

Both are the right target. Sony has 0 problem with this. They're not some victim in this only working with this model of digital distribution because they were strong-armed. Sony doesn't really give a shit that we don't own the things we buy

It's both parties. The button says 'buy' not 'hire for N years until the contract runs out.'

The implied transaction for consumers was that they had 'purchased' a product and retained it indefinitely. If Sony can no longer uphold their end of the deal, then they should be refunding.

What about the obligations to their customers to provide what was paid for?

If they can’t provide the service, provide a refund.