Though back then Pete, there was little other option to hear such tunes other that some C60 compilation tape....or go to the venues to hear the DJs play them.
There are plenty of easy options to obtain and hear such tunes nowadays, and whilst I understand the 'need' of some to buy a vinyl copy, I can't really see the point in them this day and age.
To be honest, I'm way past caring about them....they play no part in the scenes or clubs that interest me, and don't seem to affect prices of orginals to any extent that I have noticed.