<Why,  however, in your opinion wouldn't they utilize the same Stipulation of Dismissal motion used with NEC?>

I think we are back to that question of does the court need to OK the settlement details before the parties can move to dismiss.  If the NEC settlement was provided earlier with the defendants motion for stay, the court already had the info and now gives the OK for dismissal upon hearing the others have settled.  We might be awaiting the court's OK to proceed with the dismissal of the other two defendants.  Settlements filed as sealed exhibits this afternoon. Seems to be differing opinions on whether or not the court needs to have the settlement details before motions to dismiss.  Wish I knew the correct answer to that one.  All IMHO   Opty