What are your views on emulation?
I don't have any thing against the emulator, just don't pirate the games in order to run it.
What benefits does emulation provide?
Offical emulators provided by the hardware's owner provide ways for us to legally purchase and experience older games.
Does it impact game sales?
If I am pirating a game to run on the emulator then yes. There are people who wouldn't purchase virtual console or the actual games and instead pirate them for free.
How do game creators feel about this?
Well I'm sure they don't love the fact that their are people taking what their's for free.
What are the legalities and ethics around emulation?
Emulator itself = Ok
Pirating the game in order to run the emulator = Illegal big time
What percentage of those that use emulators are engaged in privacy?
I have no hard numbers, nor way to compare contrast the amount of who do and who don't but you don't need that to see that there are a lot of people that use emulators are engaged in privacy. But even if we were to say 1%, just because 99% people don't that doesn't redeem the 1% who do.
Are there sources of data to support this?
Yes, countless youtube videos and of course comments of people amitting to following the video on pirating games in order to run the emulator.
Although they're wise to fact, they don't share any of the download links (because they know piracy is illegal) to get the game but they might as well when they just tell them to search for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdRYmRo--Xo
In conclusion there is really only one step in which to follow: don't pirate games.
Essay Pro