"If it were a contingency deal, or "business resolution", based on an outcome (e.g., USPTO) that is an "unknown"/not definite, then there would be no problem, IMO."

I would agree with that - however, it begs the question: why have a trading restriction for insiders in the first place - if the settlement amount was always contingent upon the USPTO Re-Exam?

None of it really makes sense - we can only make WAGs as to what went on and what is going on with Patriot - we are in total darkness.