Another aspect of this is this deal being in the works makes Nifong a liar yet again in his press conference. He is saying this case is a Durham problem that needs a Durham solution at the same time he is negotiating to remove the case from a 100% Durham solution.
This is also setting the table for anyone who might be running against him to campaign on Nifong treating the accused lacrosse players differently than other defendants. I think Nifong would make such a move continent on not having opposition that could campaign against him based on this special treatment.
He may not have any choice on the venue change for presiding judge. He can be "gotten to" if enough supreme court/attorney general types mash on him. Don't forget, Cheshire's law credential go back FIVE generations. You don't survive and prosper that long in the legal profession without knowing some connections...