Having to defend against claims for damages that do not need to be supported by any proof of loss is itself a deterrent, whatever the amounts may be, in my opin

Having to defend against claims for damages that do not need to be supported by any proof of loss is itself a deterrent, whatever the amounts may be, in my opinion. Universal's actual losses might be zero but as long as they can prove infringement and that the defendant (intentionally or not) was an infringer, they can get a judgment for damages. Of course winning some copyright litigation and winning the larger battle over monopolistic control of music distribution channels may be two different things.