I assume that the risk math will differ by case, but... The way "trolling" generally works is by negotiating settlements while brandishing a credible threat of

I assume that the risk math will differ by case, but... The way "trolling" generally works is by negotiating settlements while brandishing a credible threat of legal expenses, not judgements awarded by courts. What this discourages is threatening a $100k lawsuit to win a $3,000 in damages. I guess once and offer (you could offer $10k, to be safe) the troll risks paying a lot of money if it goes to court and it turns out that he shot a legal mouse with a nuclear torpedo.