I doubt the decision in the Gawker case was made in complete isolation from the public opinion, and public favour these days is significantly based upon who can

I doubt the decision in the Gawker case was made in complete isolation from the public opinion, and public favour these days is significantly based upon who can depict themselves as the underdog/victim and therefore claim the moral high ground. Presumably, being financially supported by Thiel would not exactly have earned Hogan underdog points.