Yup, quite idiotic. Their strategy is clear. They see no public image downside to the litigation, but enormous economic benefit to it. So they sue, sue, sue. Sure, "RIAA sues 3 week old baby for $3 billion in damages" might cause some concern among empeg BBS citizens, Slashdot readers, and others who follow these things, but does it really resonate with your average citizen? I doubt it.

I don't see enough people boycotting the big labels to protest to make an impact on their bottom line, so they'll keep doing this as long as judges are willing to hear the cases.