@SonofChef
Well I can't speak for jasonmooney specifically, but I use an optical drive all the time as well. Although a minority, millions of people still buy music CDs and DVDs/Blu Rays rather than downloads. This should be obvious enough as any Best Buy or other tech store generally has a good selection of such disks, even the relatively old CDs, proving CD sales are not dead, despite many people considering them so. There are basically three camps that support CDs:
1) those who like the superior audio and video quality, of which downloads are still a ways behind. These people will only change when iTunes and other popular download services offer high bit-rate music downloads and full HD, lossless video with surround sound--at this time, simply to large a file for a convenient download, and impossible to stream by consumer grade bandwidths.
2) those who simply refuse to have a strictly electronic library. Some people prefer a physical object over a digital one. Some of these people may not be too opposed to the idea of a digital library, but have already accumulated a vast physical one, deeming reinvestment an expensive and perhaps impossible ordeal. Some of these people also simply see physical media as much simpler and easier to understand/maintain. Others simply want CDs in their car, and do not invest in MP3 players. This group (that I am not a part of) will take a long time to disappear, as their reasons are more phycologically and traditionally based.
3) Those who lack the the internet or other technologies necessary to connect to digital download services or maintain a digital library. These people will only change once the cost of these technologies becomes cheaper and more available.
A CD drive is also the easiest way to share music, and in many cases, videos, with friends and especially family, which generally includes older people less prone to adopting new technologies. Personally, the only way I can share my music with friends is by burning CDs.
While it's right to conclude that a digital library, in theory, is superior in utility and function to a physical library, its quite premature to suppose now is the best time to abolish the physical disc, and much less physical mediums as a whole. The disc is still used by enough people to warrant its inclusion in at least a few modern computers.
