It’s also possible that setting a 1 byte per second limit showed they were aware what they were doing was illegal.
While I am satisfied it has been proven you are aware that by torrenting said files, distribution also occurred. However, I am also satisfied it has been proven that by setting a 1 byte per minute upload limit, you had taken those steps you could to limit uploads in an effort to prevent the prohibited activity. Other evidence presented to the court demonstrates you are regularly employed, that your finances are generally in order, and you have not received payment for the meagre distribution that occurred as a consequence of your behaviour.
It is my opinion that the case brough by the prosecution does not rise to the level of requiring a sentence, nor even a conviction.
You're free to go.
If multiple people get caught speeding on the highway, are they conspiring with each other to violate law? Probably not, unless they were racing.
Organized seeding could be passable as criminal conspiracy, but a single person — nah.
I agree with you intent matters, and I agree with you that setting the upload limit to 1 byte per second shows intent, I just disagree about what intent it shows.