You are right, back then was no different than it is today. Drama sells, the more the better. But I was trying to say that Frank and Jesse were made out to be cold-hearted criminals. And yes, robbery is a crime. But I don't think that the James Brothers robbed banks or trains for self gain. Hell, Jesse laid low for awhile and farmed for a few years before returning to his old ways. And I have read where Jesse and Frank refused to rob passengers on the trains that were southerners.
These posts are relating to the K.G.C., and I believe that most of the stolen money that was not hidden and or forgotton was used to fund this group. It was a group intended to put the south back on top with political force.
I'm sure someone with a little more knowledge will chime in soon.