Originally Posted by Mike Okitch

I don't think it was a waste.

They had the money to do it and it might have been worth doing on principle alone.

Furthermore, by doing a press release, it gives exposure to the company and also sends a message to anyone wanting to do this.

I'm certain they knew that they won't be able to collect the money before they even got a lawyer involved. But that guy is now fucked for life and I think that's good enough a reason.