RIAA Victim or Just Stupid?

Thanks to this quote:

"...the RIAA has been known to suggest that students drop out of college or go to community college in order to be able to afford settlements."

This article (Run Over by the RIAA Don't Tap the Glass) has been showing up everywhere. It's a sensational quote but it distracts from the fundamental issue. The author broke the law, they do not dispute this - only the penalty for doing it. If you robbed a bank and were sentenced to 5 years in jail I don't think complaining to the Judge that incarceration is going to affect your education and future will have much of an effect.

I am in no way saying that the RIAA is a warm and fuzzy organization - in fact they are conducting a strong arm campaign with questionable tactics. Listen people, if you haven't figured it out already it is not a good idea to pirate media (music, video, etc.). Even if the odds are small that you will be caught; a) can you afford the penalty when you are, and b) don't whine about it.