the response to the cheating issue
Well, at least it's off my conscience. This is the prof's response to my e-mail:
I appreciate your message. I know that the language may suggest something serious but I doubt if it really was a doubling in since every registered student has to participate in every weekly assignment and it is a pretty tall order; however, I also know that there is no foolproof system. Those who get through a course by cheating, will sooner or later learn the lesson in real life.
I think he seriously underestimates the shittiness of students and just what a large chunk of change can buy, but...not my responsibility. At least he didn't call me a tattletale.