It's probably not even that. As a franchise you are under the thumb of the big corporation. They have a lot more money, and a lot more leverage to break you if

It's probably not even that. As a franchise you are under the thumb of the big corporation. They have a lot more money, and a lot more leverage to break you if you start suing them. They can probably inspect your premises, find 200 violations normally overlooked and then suspend your right to use their branding or suppliers. Sure you might win eventually, maybe in court. And then maybe you can sue them that the inspection happened in retaliation, but do you really want to risk that?