MIDI Files should be free.

WHY???

MIDI files have been on the Internet for years. How did they get there? Many people created their own and post them on sites and newsgroups. That's great. However, a lot of people have posted MIDIs belonging to commercial companies and have experienced severe civil lawsuits. Many web pages that carry any of these files are also infringing on the artist's rights.

A MIDI file is a derivative work, therefore the artist is entitled to royalties. If people want to create free MIDIs and distribute them, that's great...but they must inherit the risks involved. Anyone who wishes to "charge" for their own work has the right to do so...providing they are properly licensed.