Sure Pirateat40 case is relevant. It takes away the "it's just a game, nothing of value is being traded" rationalization that Burnside tried using on his gameserver. How old are you, bro?
It's relevant as to what? He ran a Ponzi scheme and de-frauded investors of 150k BTC. That is why he's in trouble and every Ponzi scheme operator is a serous criminal. Are you saying that's news bro? It's not bro. OK bro? See ya crumbs.
Pirateat40 claimed that nothing of value changed hands, so the laws which applied to money did not apply to him. This was a hackneyed, popular claim at one point in time. Burnside used it in his TOS. Ken, not being as smart, creative or eloquent as Burnside, chose to call Active Mining of Belize a "Virtual Identity." That one just grated on the ears, but heck - Ken's Ken, gotta make allowances. If Pirateat40 is convicted, that line won't need to be revisited when Ken & Co get their day in court.