If labels didn't take huge chunks of their income... with very little return on their part.

That is my point, yes.

This actually isn't a problem with the consumers, it's a problem with the "production" side of this equation.

It is both. Contrary to the simpliatic worldview of Lemmy/reddit circle jerks, more than one problem can exist.

A busker doesn't hold my files I create via video recording on my phone of the "event" hostage... under threat of lawsuit/men with guns beating down my door and taking all my electronics.

Again, I don't think DRM is ethical. I also don't think being able to afford to compensate someone, and not compensating them is ethical.

I'm paying to own the disc/content. I couldn't give a damn what "experience" they think they're creating

You can go buy blank disks for a fraction of the price of ones with content on them.

You will never own their content, they own the copyright, you do not. Even when you purchase a physical blu-ray disk, you would not be allowed to open a theater and start showing it to people. That is because: You. Do. Not. Own. Their. Content. Ever. You're only paying for the experience of witnessing it. Just like going to see a play 200+ years ago, just like going to a movie theater today. You're allowed to be confused about that, but it doesn't change reality.

it's in their best interest that the "experience" is worthwhile so I purchase the next one.

So you literally do "give a damn" about the experience. Which is it?