Perhaps you should just go to DC++ and download it, just for preview purposes...delete it as you buy them, one by one...that way you can get caught up, further spread the word.
Also - tell your friend the comics collectors boom is over, there's really no point with the whole reading shit once and sealing it up bit if that's what he/she does - comics are made to be enjoyed, by serving their intended purpose.
So if you're getting comic bitched over that, really it's just them being a jerk-ass and not allowing the artists work to become better known.
Yes, yes it is.
I like that it's not just isolated in one particular scene and that the ongoing storyline developes through new cast members, and that Kirkman is not afraid to "thin out the herd" every now and then...pretty damn well written, and I for one hope it isn't adapted into any other form, and I'd like RK to just keep focussing on this.