why have residuals at all? Don’t writers get paid well to begin with? If they don’t think they’re making enough without residuals, why not ask to get paid more in the beginning? Isn’t that how market forces are supposed to work?

The problem with this line of thinking is that every new show has the potential to be Seinfeld or Viva!Laughlin, monetarily speaking. The creative forces behind the show could be making a cash cow or they could be making a flop. The residual system rewards those who have contributed to making a cash cow, and punishes those who make a flop.

I also wouldn't tie in residuals to profits. Remember, the most creative people in showbusiness are not the actors, writers, directors, or producers. They are the accountants, and they will be able to back up claims of being in the black for Wall Street and being in the red for their workers simutaneously.

Oh, and Ray? You display an asshole's thinking.