The assumption I'm making based on the press (that certain FCC commissioners disagreed with the original fine) is that the current GOP-controlled FCC commission

The assumption I'm making based on the press (that certain FCC commissioners disagreed with the original fine) is that the current GOP-controlled FCC commissioners like Ajit Pai intentionally reduced the fine because they want to be a "pro-Business" FCC. When your political agenda is intent upon removing any teeth that a regulatory body has so that you can recreate your perfect libertarian state, you see fines like this that are toothless.