@SmashTheState , a lot of what you say is relatively accurate, but there is actually a lot more spam than just the botnets. Sure, those botnets account for a lot of malicious activity, including phishing spam, scams, and the like. Not to mention affiliate marketing, spyware, hacking and cracking… but for spam, it’s far more widespread than that. That being said, you’re right that there’s really nothing we can do about it and that seekingwolf’s suggestions are ill advised due to the reasoning you cited.
However, I’ve seen all angles of the digital marketing industry, and there are thousands upon thousands of individuals and entities aside from malicious botnets that spam people every day. I also do know that the FTC does enforce anti-spam policy in many cases, just that so few people actually take the initiative to do something about it or even report it.
We’re all desensitized to it.
Also, look for ways to unsubscribe AND send a complaint, if the option is available. Most spammers send mass emails using an email marketing company. Email marketing companies like iContact and MailChimp are always under the gun to hold their users accountable if they spam people, and they will help enforce spamming policies and laws against their users to save themselves from being held accountable.