You say: "Now the question in my mind, did this motion come out of mediation and is there a possible settlement depending on Judge Ward's ruling?

I don't know about anyone else, but I want this thing settled."

I strongly suspect this came out of mediation (suggesting to me that this issue is the cornerstone of the defendants litigation strategy), and it follows that a ruling may drive a settlement.  But, of course, this may be what they want us (and the court) to think!

I too want this thing settled ASAP - for (just) a respectable amount will do.

That would be ....

Ex-cell-ent!

SGE

PS:  I KNOW that it's very unlikely, but wouldn't it be nice if.....we heard the word "settlements" the day of the shareholders meeting?!  (ruling Thursday, haggling over the weekend, paper-pass Monday, execution Tuesday morn, done deal PRs).