I personally wouldn't mind paying a small fee to download whatever I wanted - however, the problem with things like netflix etc... is there is no download feature. I don't have a particularly fast internet connection, and I also like to have high quality films - so other than ripping my DVDs with no compression (which I have done) to my HTPC, I can't really use online services.
Lovefilm is pretty good for that, as I resent having to pay an exorbitant fee for a movie that I didn't like. However, again, the problem is that it's not instant.
I think if there was a more legitmate way of getting movies to you most people would pay the fee. IF netflix etc... had a download service for SD & HD movies then I'd be happy with that. Or at least the ability to receive foreign movies/series, and American ones too. I don't think most people would have any issues with that.
I don't like torrents as they are riddled with script kiddies etc... and also generally hammered on bandwidth controlling.
Sure, nzbmatrix is down, there will be other services or ways in the future - until the laws/rules become simpler for this sort of thing it'll continue.
The thing is I still like going to the cinema - and I won't stop going just because of downloads - it's mainly tv series and so on that appeals to most people I think.