So, if my friend had downloaded files and never allowed uploading, would you say this put them in a better position?

Yes there is stuff that is legal on torrents (linux etc) but lets face it the majority of downloads are not of legal stuff. You can get all the legal stuff from other places at a much better speed.

The fact the music companies have now distanced themselves from ACS will be another blow for them.

Torrent is as popular as it is because of its potential speed of download, which is why large media companies like the BBC use it.

hope you like this rlarticlerl which i found which looks at ACS Law and the fact they themselves have been a bit naughty

just spoke with 1 of my mates from pub. He said he had 1 of these letters a year ago and payed the 500 quid fine without a fight (dont think hes into computers or would know what is wrong). Anyway im kinda worried as i dl P2P and any help would be appriciated, if it be ways to dl safer or if i get they letter.

Thanks

I think the issue here is that if your caught doing things that you know to be against the law then you cough up the dough!!