One additional point.  If settlement was not concluded at end of 30 day stay, and Js wanted to continue to negotiate, how would TPL respond?  IMO either agree and file jointly for new stay so they don't look uncompromising, or file their objection to the stay as being a delay tactic.  A motion by only the defendants makes little sense to me, unless of course the problems that need resolution are primarily in the Js side and are of no import to TPL.  There is absolutely no hope of Judge Ward agreeing to another stay unless it was something other than the damages that needed to be worked out. Did the defendants really think that a one-sided reqest for continued stay to negotiate would fly?  No way in my opinion.  Opty