The extent to which

It seems like a very convoluted away of expressing how much something is... whether "much" is referring to price, weight, etc is unknown in the context.

"the extent to which"
The extent to which I need your help is great. Please help me. I'm desperate!

Comment: I can't recall every phrasing something that way, but I suppose it works.

Does it mean "I really need your help so much"?

Yes, it means, " I really need your help," but it is very convoluted. I would only speak that way of I were attempting to be humorous.

Yes, Vick was punished to the extent the law presently allows, which isn't much.
The extent to which they were awkward and uncomfortable bothered me.
Americans will be shocked to learn the extent to which they have been deceived.
Your doctor will ask about the extent to which your symptoms affect daily living.

The extent to which = how much, how far, the amount which

I'm sorry I cannot understand the first sentence which is "Vick was..."!

Yes, Vick was punished to the extent the law presently allows, which isn't much.

eg.
Vic stole a lady's purse.
According to the law, the punishment for stealing a purse is one month to six months in jail.
The judge sentenced Vic to six months in jail.
The writer believes that six months is not very much punishment for that crime.

Okay, ??
Thank you very much