Are you saying there is a conspiracy on the size of the fines?...

Are you saying there is a conspiracy on the size of the fines? It would appear from your statement that you are damned if you do or don't? What would you have the DOJ do instead?

We all know that the capitalist system is manipulated if you use the Keynesian model euphemistically known as regulations or Govt/CB intervention. The US stock market briefly embraced the Von Hayak market self regulation and that almost collapsed if it was not for Govt/CB intervention. There is no ideal system in this "free world".

At least PM markets is still undergoing investigations so I expect some form of earth shattering fines and guilt acceptance in the future.