We have discussed it already on the board.
Yes, major labels have their part in the problem. But if you looked carefully around, you would see that even major artists (like Rihanna and etc) try to appeal to people not to distribute music for free online and to buy CDs.
Also to the question of poorness. 
It shouldn't be justified. This is the question of obeying the law and respecting the work of artist and being poor is just an excuse. Well may be my sentenced formed badly, but an argument of the poorness is always used and finally it fails all the time.