I was recently in a settlement for something like $4 and looked into it. My take is basically that in many class action suits there's limited proof of wrongdoi

I was recently in a settlement for something like $4 and looked into it. My take is basically that in many class action suits there's limited proof of wrongdoing. So it might not make it to court, and if it did make it to court it might be thrown out. Companies pay out since they aren't sure either, but not for the full amount. The lawyers are investing in a suit with unstable ground. Because it's so wishy-washy there just isn't much money in it, and in consequence the payouts are limited. So I'm not sure there's a better way to do it. I do wish the lawyers were more upfront about the above in their messaging to class members (like, "we don't have enough definite evidence to get a conviction, but enough that it's risky for the company, so we can settle for a lower amount") as well as how much it will actually mean per individual, what consequences are likely for the company if the suit succeeds, etc. Not a lawyer (obviously) so if anyone has better info I'd be interested.