The only reason they brought the charges on "low hanging fruit" was to be able to point at why it is basically impossible to prove crimes against an individual

The only reason they brought the charges on "low hanging fruit" was to be able to point at why it is basically impossible to prove crimes against an individual or corporation in nuanced financial matters to a jury. The point was to show how this is a negligent use of public resources unless the laws changed, which they won't. Maybe it backfired because the jury felt it was unfair by that point, the result is still the same and it solidifies the case law itself raising the bar for prosecution even higher.