``I also feel that the stronger the case we may have againist any of these companies the harder they will fight to stop us from getting what we are or feel we are due.``

What kind of logic are you applying here? Does that mean that if we had an extremely weak case, they`d run to us to settle for whatever amount?

Since some are doing the reality check thing today, please re-think the ``reality`` of that statement. I mean, come on....

Reality and logic would dictate that if you see no realistic chance of winning due to the opposition having an extremely strong case, you throw in the towel, save your litigation budget, and pursue settlement with the best terms negotiable. The last thing you`d want to do is go to court and get laughed at, and wind up paying through the (bloody) nose to boot.

Even to Asian businesspeople, where saving face is of high import, cutting off your nose to spite it (and actually make things worse) is not the proper course. Folding your cards without showing `em is.

But I KNOW nuttin`!

SGE