"Could it be possible that many of those "hundreds"are not in a position to negotiate?I think the strength of our bargaining position has been enhanced dramatically."

And if the price has gone up in negoiations why would you not wait until the current litigates come to an agreement just to see what the going rate is going to be. This could be where TPL's tactics in the past have hurt them, since they do not disclose dollar amounts. No one wants to pay too much. A market rate has to be determined.