I agree that they should post it free or go straight to DVD/ppv if they are gong to be cowards.
However, I think there may be 2 other financial issues at play.
First, I wonder if insurers are saying “we won’t cover anything that happens at a theater because you have been warned and could have taken action to prevent it.” This would mean sony and the theater chains are liable for everything.
Second, if Sony can prove that sales are harmed by a terrorist act (theaters won’t show it), maybe they get a payout from an insurer.
They will not post it for free, they will at least go to DVD where it will make record sales or rentals.
Good point about the insurance angle. That could be driving a lot of decisions.
I wonder if they had insurance for the data wipeout?