RE: Motion to Withdraw5 Nov 2019 15:08
If they had no dirt on Hope and hence - am assuming - no way of winning, then really the best route out of this would've been to dismiss case with prejudice. That way, everyone gets to go home, only having to cover own costs. This said, it naturally doesn't hurt FRR's interests to ask for a dismissal without prejudice and we ask immediately how Hope would never agree to it. So while a conclusion looks as if it could potentially close, it's not that simple.
If FRR wanted it to and, couldn't bear it any longer, then there is a route out, 'dismissal with prejudice.' However, they haven't saught that. Instead, they are prolonging it, potentially buying time. Why?!
Perhaps there is a case for Hope to answer and FRR are needing time to pull it together. It us also possible that this is designed as a battle of attrition, where mounting costs cripple Hope and he is forced to concede. However, not sure how that latter scenario would actually play out. Leads me back to their a genuine case for Hope to answer and FRR needing time establish it.
I think what's telling is that Hope is prepared to accept a dismissal of the case without prejudice.