To be honest I'm perfectly fine watching streamed video from the network website with commercials included; the only reason I pirate shows like Torchwood and QI is that I can't fuckin' get them in the US. :D For me the point is that I can take the shows anywhere, on my laptop, and I can watch them when I want as opposed to when the TV schedule dictates.

I don't think ratings have dropped, because internet watchers definitely are still in the minority, we just think they're not because we're in fandom. :D I don't think TV shows will disappear but I do think that their funding will have to change.