Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

This choice suggests a viewpoint about the necessity of legal protection for public benefit, but the passage specifically focuses on the consequences of copyright laws rather than their necessity. It does not address the broader implications of how protection affects public access and creativity.

While this choice touches on the theme of legislation and illegal activities, the passage does not explicitly argue that legislation is ineffective in eliminating piracy. Instead, it emphasizes the unforeseen consequences of the 1856 amendments, rather than a general statement about the effectiveness of law.

This option implies a critique of using legislation as a solution, which is not the central focus of the passage. The text does not advocate for or against legislative approaches; it instead highlights the complexities that arise from legislative attempts to solve issues in the arts.

While public support is a relevant consideration, the passage does not delve into enforcement issues or public backing. It primarily discusses the legal changes and their unexpected repercussions on copyright and performance rights.