Good question. If it weren't for lawyers who want to get rich, there would not be class action lawsuits.
Several years ago, Polaroid filed a class action lawsuit against Kodak because Kodak made an instant camera that Polaroid claimed violated its patent.
I had one of those Kodak cameras. The pictures it took were far superior to the Polaroid pictures, with deeper richer colors. The judge ruled for Polaroid; as a result, I got a coupon for $15 and could no longer use the camera (which I had spent more than $15 on). And even though there were no other options, I still would not buy a Polaroid.
I had the same experience, except I never received a check. You are correct; the Kodak was far superior to the Polaroid.
Polaroid is now a shadow of its former self, as is Kodak.