George,

I will explain so this makes more sense to you.  For the amount that was owed, it did not make sense to go to court.  One would have to take into account that there is a cost to going to court.  Since the company in question is not in my home state, I would have to fly  and rent a car.  Assuming we can get to that point.  Some attorneys are true masters at dragging things out for years rather than advising their clients to pay.  Also, getting a judgement does not mean one will get paid.  There are numerous ways around paying.   Taking the settlement does not leave me warm and fuzzy but theres a difference between being pissed off and losing it all and keeping a cool head and doing what makes sense. 

By settleing I am not creating an an environment to encourage this.  On the contrary by making my experience available to people like you and others, I in fact may be preventing someone else from being screwed.  I hope you can see my point.

Rob