“I cooperate with things like bag searches, since its a pragmatic thing to do in most cases.”
and yet you are defending this guy even though it looks to be certain his only motivation was to sue the store and make some easy money. I see.
I don't see where he was trolling for easy money based on what has been presented, but more information could change that (has he done this before...). Add to that he is out of state and the costs of pursuing a lawsuit with some chance of loss being what they are, I don't see this as a money move, but one of persnickitiness. I know when I tell such bozos to pound sand and make it stick, its not because I want money, its because they have crossed my threshold of what I consider tolerable, which takes some doing.
Just because I may not have made the same decision does not mean I think he must do what I would have done, if he is within his rights to refuse. Its really a case of sovereign election, i.e.: his life, his call.