how they pull the wool over people eyes is beyond me, if this isn't a monopoly scam I don't know what is.
It's not a monopoly "scam" because there are several competing music sites and software (think Real Neworks as one example).
And there are competing hardware products to go along with the options in service and software.
the encryption that requires the use of iTunes is not for the purpose of a monopoly (at least not for Apple), it is part of the agreement with the record labels to cover the digital rights management.... Apple has to make a reasonable effort to protect the music from unauthorized copying/distribution.