<"the primary function of the CMC is for the court to learn about any special aspects of the case, and to set a trial date that takes into account various factors, including how much discovery will be needed from that point forward.>
That is one of many functions of the CMC. I beg to differ that it is the primary one. IMO, The primary purpose of the CMC is to resolve the case if it can, and if it can't try to understand what might help resolve remaining issues.
However, I'm not an attorney and only giving my opinion based on what I've read, which in no way is sufficient to make me an expert in this field. Hence, any expert opinion is always welcomed.
Opty