What people fail to understand are the comparisons in monetary values back then and now. To have been in Nevill's position then,he was classed as a wealthy farmer. That same amount in todays values is what millions of people have but aren't particularly classed as wealthy in the same way because half a million from being a youngster then would not have lasted you through life to date and half a million today with costs of everything certainly wouldn't see you into retirement.
What I'm saying is that £400,000 then, and the way you say that JB wanted to live,wouldn't have lasted long,so killing for millions rather than a few thousand,I'd have understood because long-term that would have sufficed him.
Some crummy looking properties today are in the region of £300,000 for a start.
JB didn't kill the family,he had no reason to do whatsoever.
How long do you think that money would have lasted him over the years ??