I believe that the issue is that the harms are broad but relatively small for each person, while the benefits are quite concentrated for those who do profit. T

I believe that the issue is that the harms are broad but relatively small for each person, while the benefits are quite concentrated for those who do profit. Thus, there aren't going to be many people where loosening copyright terms is their primary factor in voting for a legislator or lobbying, while the large rights-holders will put considerable effort into maintaining or extending the status quo.