Is this a great example? I tried to google around to see what the postmortem was on the founders discussed in that article, and it seems like _not only_ was the punishment a slap on the wrist, and no larger sentencing arose (at least per my brief search, feel free to correct me, I'd regain some faith in humanity if I were wrong).

Not only that, but the more vocal of the two founders is now running for a senate seat.

If anything you seem to be supporting the unfortunate conclusion that there _is_ no real recompense. I tend to agree with the OP, even as an american, the structure of the law seems unequivocally built to support those with the power to navigate it. Bernie Madoff was the exception, not the rule, and by his own words, even this may not be the level of punishment one might wish (re: imprisonment) "They call me either Uncle Bernie or Mr. Madoff. I can't walk anywhere without someone shouting their greetings and encouragement, to keep my spirit up. It's really quite sweet, how concerned everyone is about my well being, including the staff […] It's much safer here than walking the streets of New York."[0]

[0]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Madoff#cite_note-134