The reason they imbed them, AFAIK, is to be able to keep them somewhat copy-protected. For example, you can load them onto an iPod, but if you try to transfer them to another computer via iPod the tracks won't transfer unless that computer has been authorized by iTunes for your email address (you can have up to five computers authorized simultaneously for the same address).

I believe there is also a maximum number of times a track purchased from the iTunes store can be burned onto a CD. Haven't run across it yet, but I am bound to soon (I have a few favorite songs I've burned onto various mixed CDs for friends).

I guess it doesn't really bother me much...

M