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We are unlikely to agree on how to take down torrent sites, nor even whether it is possible to do so. But we are generally agreed that such sites are contrary to the interests of the vast majority of those actually trying to sell online porn. Which basically means that we have a "them" and "us" situation...
And from that perspective, the role of sponsors who help monetize such sites is clear: they are helping "them". It is irrelevant that another sponsor might step in if one bows out: deal with him if it happens. Meanwhile, we are - by working with them ourselves - supporting people who are working with the enemy. Which is ludicrous.
Whether the issue is torrent sites, Zango or whatever, why should we allow sponsors, hosts, or anyone else the luxury of earning money from both sides? It makes no business sense and is contrary to normal behavior in any other context. Force them to make a choice as to which side of the fence they want to work.
If we actually got off our asses and did that, I seriously doubt many good sponsors would commit to "the other side". Sure that won't make the people on the fringes of the industry go away, the difference could be very small. But it would at least make those who are financially motivated think twice. And they are the real threats overall, not the hobbyists.
Beyond that, I have never met anyone who has lousy ethical and professional standards in any important sense, and keeps those standards confined to only one aspect of their business. So my take is that someone who is happy to screw me one way, is very likely to be screwing me a half dozen other ways too. The very fact that someone doesn't care about their reputation is an excellent reason to stay as far away from them as possible.
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