There was a teenager in my town whose family had to pay $16k because he pirated an album and burned a few CDs. I’d hear similar stories all around the country. I doubt the record companies were hurting that bad, just needed to send a message. Didn’t really stop my brother (allegedly).
It hasn’t been verified but most fans believe that the parents are dead. On the show, Robert has mentioned several times that he bought their house with the boys inheritance.
I must conclude that Pringles and soft drinks are organic.