I think it's important to realize that we (the general public) are not the intended audience for statements like this. The RIAA/MPAA are lobbyist Organizations that are failing to pass legislature. They are legal teams that are losing steam in the court room. Their "customers"/investors are the various studios that have banded together to find means to sustain a dying business model.
Make no mistake, these are the death throes of the RIAA/MPAA
These statements lack the confidence of secure financial backing. These statements are basically saying, "We are doing what you asked of us, it's not our fault it isn't working", and the studios aren't amused.
Spot on. There's no other reason for a NYT op-ed other than to send the message that: "Hey we're doing what you paid us to do; what do you want from us?!"
Make no mistake, these are the death throes of the RIAA/MPAA
These statements lack the confidence of secure financial backing. These statements are basically saying, "We are doing what you asked of us, it's not our fault it isn't working", and the studios aren't amused.