And whats more, why would he grant the stay period, if the PTO was going to rule before Christmas.  I think he would have let those chips fall where they may and the result would benefit one side or the other.  That would still leave time for settlements to occur.

To me the PTO ruling is not relative to Judge Wards Timeline.  This had to be settlement talks.  I think the Js thought if the numbers didn't get where they wanted them, then at least the stay might cause the Plantiffs to take there eye off the Trial ball and therefore not prepare adequately for trial.  Our guys will be ready for trial; make no mistake about that.