It seems to me that the ability to end copyright ownership is implicit to the ownership of it. Therefore, the copyright holder should be able to nullify the negative effects you speak of, T, by clearing it by 'donating' it to public domain, if that is your concern. However, the rules regarding what the length of the term of the copyright is,... thats a different story. I can see that you have valid points as to the unreliability of of what the government may say about term length, liability, and most of all, what constitutes a 'violation'.

We have a distinct interest as song collectors in keeping the public channels open for performance of songs we like... And, whats more, its almost like musicians who write don't get their songs on the radio, when a 'folkie' can't play it in front of a live audience leagally... that song won't get heard, and prospective buyers are lost. ttr