I'll ditto the last comment that I'd love to know how to get HD movies for free... I'm assuming you mean Netflix, but that requires a fast enough internet connection which not everyone has unfortunately.
I still rip a few things that I can't find on DVD. I'm just about done with my collection... 85 days worth of TV shows will do that for you. Before you say anything, the vast majority of those were purchased through iTunes with ripping to fill in the gaps. I'm slowly, as I'm able, rebuying everything as it is released in a digital format... Partially, that's to help my own conscience, the economy or whatever. Mostly, it's because what you buy is just a better quality version than the rips I can produce, though that may just be my own lack of understanding...
Regardless, it may not be the most cost effective solution, but I like know that at home even if a company like Netflix folds or ups their prices or my internet provider puts a horribly restrictive cap, I can still watch anything I want, whenever I want.
At this point, my content is mine. I can hit shuffle and get a show from a week ago or 20 years ago. You'd be surprised some of the things you don't think about watching but you remember enjoying after you do watch it...
I've never tried Netflix, but do they let you pick a lot of seasons and then shuffle the order? Or do you have to pick everything you watch? And if you consciously pick it, what are you missing out on that you're not thinking about watching?
I'm not saying one or the other is bad. They both have their strong points and weaknesses. I'm just saying that for me, this works the best.
Just a thought...