I used to get fansub video tapes from friends and the rare VHS import in the late '90s. To fill funding gaps I then moved to DirectConnect and a few other p2ps, though back then it usually took around one to two weeks to get a movie. The p2p networks died out and I then started buying box sets at around $80-120 along with bargin anime bins between $1-5 a tape.
Then everything started to get cheap, so now I download fansubs in torrents but only when I buy excess space as 250 gigs fills up in about 3 months or less. But I still buy box sets usually two or three at a time when I find the right price usually between $30-60. The box sets have gotten so cheap that the time to download and the harddrive space is more costly than the series in DVD. It saddens my heart that the only reason I download torrents is to get it early. But the four year gaps for translation to "right" price still exists, though it used to be four years for it to release the first episode... it's gotten better.
oh, and I don't go to any specific subber or source, but anidb.net gives enough subber information based on series to find things easily.
I prefer torrents, but I get them however I can on the internet.
After watching, I consider buying. Always try before buy.
I buy second-hand, if possible. If it's a real bargain, I'd consider buying almost anything. VHS-tapes are just dirt-cheap nowadays.
Bootlegs are no-no, thougth, the reason I pay is because I want to own the real thing.