I've been downloading the iTunes "Single of the Week" since December of 2004, after I got a free download with the purchase of the GameCube game "The Urbz" (Think urban spin-off of the Sims with Black Eyed Peas cameos.) Because of that free download, I was introduced to the wonderful world of iTunes and used it for almost a year before I even had an Apple device to play music on. I started downloading the weekly songs and eagerly went back each week, only missing a dozen or so times (that's 10 years worth of music!) Because of those free songs, I've discovered and fallen in love with so many wonderful songs over the years by tons of artists that I never would have come across without that exposure. Because of my positive experience with these free songs all these years later, iTunes is my main music player on my computer and the reason why I'm even considering purchasing a new iPod, especially in an age where people don't buy music, let alone devices whose only function is to play music, when people have their phones that they can easily load their music onto. If Apple is truly done with their iTunes "Single of the Week", I can honestly say I am grateful for all the music I've enjoyed because of them and will continue to enjoy for years to come, but hopefully they'll realize what a special thing they've given up on. 
