Ok, again, I'm sorry, but in the parts of your post I put here, do you see anything wrong with what you said?
Let me put it this way...
"Ripping may not capture all data on an audio CD. CD-Text may be captured, but additional CD+G data such as lyrics and graphics present on some CDs may be ignored by ripping software, preventing an identical backup and recreation of the original CD.
Legal problems and status
Ripping also allows content to be losslessly copied for a very low or essentially zero cost and given to those who did not purchase it, possibly substituting for sales of content. Hence it has aroused fierce opposition by the recording industry, who view it as theft.
Since the music or video is transferred to a data file, the files can be shared with other computer users over the Internet.
Although it is legal in the United States to make backup copies of software, the legality of ripping music for personal use without the permission of the copyright holder is controversial. Historically, copying media for personal use was established to be Fair Use under U.S. Copyright by the Supreme Court in the Sony Betamax doctrine. On the other hand, the RIAA, which represents many music copyright holders has maintained that copying rights have not been granted to end users and that Fair Use does not apply.
Depending on the outcome of the trial including the RIAA v. Jammie Thomas, even ripping a cd without permission from the owner of the copyright, even for personal use may be illegal. Of course this may backfire since during the 80's creating a mix tape was legal, and was encouraged as part of the music experience. The RIAA may very well shoot themselves in the foot over this argument.
However, in oral arguments before the Supreme Court in MGM Studios, Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd., Don Verrilli, representing MGM stated:
'And let me clarify something I think is unclear from the amicus briefs. The record companies, my clients, have said, for some time now, and it's been on their Website for some time now, that it's perfectly lawful to take a CD that you've purchased, upload it onto your computer, put it onto your iPod. There is a very, very significant lawful commercial use for that device, going forward.'
Selling software to circumvent copy-protection in commercial DVDs is illegal."
-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripping
How is ripping data from games any different? Even if it isn't exactly illegal right now, which I believe it is, it will be soon. And, I believe the quote from the Game Content Usage Thread backs up this point.
In a seperate arguement, ever hear of ROMS. I'm sure most people have, and the rules with those are simple. You must own the game itself to actually legally own the ROM. So, if we applied that here then anyone with the game(Halo 3) is permited to have/own the data from it, correct?
Anyway, my ultimate point is this, I have been looking and seeking all over the internet for a way to obtain the data myself or from someone willing to share it. I just want them for the shear fact of having an accurate specific hardcopy reference, not just images to guess off of to help make my armor. I'm not going to sell, or pass, them off as my own work. The only place that truly is anywhere near being able to share it between it's users is this place. So, one - you guys can be proud how far ahead of the 'game' we are, and two - that sort of might make us a target say if we try to become a legit group in the eyes of Microsoft/Bungie. In fact, it might make it completely impossible.
Either way, what's done is done, no one is going to share this data publically on the forum again, I'm sure, but you might want to be a little more careful about saying where you got your stuff. Some might consider that bragging. We all just need to take care and responsibility for what we say.
Be honest...most of all with yourself.
-Magnum