Considering that many people pay a monthly fee to record shows on a very finite hard drive sitting under their TV, this is a step up.

Do the Math. Ubuntu One Chanrges $10 for 50GB. For the same 50 GB Google charges $12.50 a year.

The prosecuter usually files as many relevant changes as they can. The idea is to force a deal if they can, to spare the expense of a trial. And to reduce the chance of the defendant walking away free.

The guys made deal for the lesser charge of conspiracy so they doesn't have to risk a longer sentence, which they almost certainly would have gotten, if it had gone to trial. They do it all the time on "Law & Order".