I think (that's very dangerous) ... J3 is stalling for purposes only known to them. I don't think they believe they will get a favorable ruling but for some reason they have decided to fight this at every step along the way.

There are reasons for this. I could list ten and you could too. They still might not be the reasons they are fighting this. I think PTO is their last hope. They have tried everything and are playing psychological warfare to obtain a lesser settlement or for other reasons.

It is not in TPL/PTSC's  best interest to settle for less. This is a precedent setting case that will affect the future for the next 8 to 9 years. TPL does not enjoy being adversarial but tries sucessfully to show companies how they owe part of their success to the MMP portfolio.

Essentially, it will be smoother for the Court and smoother for either the plaintiffs or defense. I believe as you do, smoother for the plaintiffs. J3 can be assured that they will not be the only company paying the piper at higher rates.

I do not believe we should wait for PTO. TPL knows the best avenue to take and they will take it. Right now, they need time to prepare for trial. They cannot afford to wait any longer and they need to get this over with. I'm sure Judge Ward agrees. I believe we should go to trial at the beginning of January as expected, loaded for BEAR! IMHO.

Regards,