“pretty significant win”
I suppose those who “converted” after Torquemada threatened to put them in an Iron Maiden had a “win” as well.
;-)
That Torquemada reference is one of the best I have seen in the internet era!
Still, I would suggest that being subjected to an Iron Maiden (or listening to Iron Maiden) would constitute somewhat more of a penalty than the nothing these folks got. As far as the agreement being coerced, sure it was. That aspect was a given the moment the decision to prosecute was made. What’s important after that is the outcome and this outcome is as good as it could reasonably get. It would make no sense whatsoever this day in age to place yor fate in the hands of a jury that, for purely political reasons, just might cost you years of your life.