Our money is most likely water under the bridge. Righthaven will soon be broke if not already so.
Early copyright history derived from efforts by authority to control the spread of the printing press.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_copyright_law
IMO, the internet will eventually moot copyright altogether. The toothpaste is out of the tube.
It's called "piling on", also known as "kicking them when they're down." Head for you local Small Claims Court and sue to get the first few thousand back. Have them served by Registered Mail, Return Receipt Requested.
If they show up, state your case to the Judge. If they don't, you win by default. Either way you're paying them back with a pain in their collective ass.
Best,
L
How about a suit against Righthaven and LVRJ? They were in cahoots on this.