The fact that this has dragged on for so long without a trial says that neither party is certain of the strength of their case. For them to take this long and only be at the discovery stage of proceedings confirms this. So up until now, its just been hot air, claim and counter-claim, without anyone really declaring if they have anything of substance to back their side up. Lawyers encourage this "negotiation" citing it as less risky and cheaper than going to trial. When it fails, as it usually does, the lawyers then apply for court-appointed mediation on the same grounds ie less risky, less costly, and all discussions are "without prejudice" ie not admissable in Court or available to the public. It will drag on and the legal fees will continue to mount until both sides wake up to their lawyers little game. All because neither party wants to risk a judicial decision because neither side is certain of the strength of their case, and they both are secretly hoping for the best compromise.