The "New" Music Distro

I'm having a lot of trouble with the new distribution model everyone keeps touting. I never hear a lot of explanation of depth as to what this model involves. I just keep hearing "internet distribution".

As far as I can see, that means I can listen to a Podcast, "illegally" download a track or CD, go to MySpace and listen to samples, and do practically everything but actually purchase the music and store it on my computer or player. I can use a recorder or something and cheat some enterprising musician out of compensation for hard work, but that doesn't sound like much of a model to me.

Sometimes the band will offer a CD for sale -- at their shows or local indie store. CDBaby has a few indie CDs, but far from all. iTunes is sometimes an option, if you don't want liner notes.

I'm not slamming the model -- it's good. I hear more music from more varied bands than ever before. I just feel like I'm missing something. If the internet is supposed to help a band reach a global audience, how come I can only buy something if I live in their immediate area?

Am I the only one feeling this way?