Not particularly, but that is (unfortunately) the way our society works. What do you propose to punitive damages as an alternative way of disciplining multi-billion dollar companies that just ignore their contractual obligations? To companies that say, "Sue us" when they are asked to do what they had agreed to do? How many people just walk away when a legitimate claim is denied because they don't have the resources or energy to fight a big corporation? How many corporations do you think depend on this reaction?
The key word is "legitimate." I think most of the mold "panic" is NOT legitimate.
I agree the key word is "legitimate." What we need are more effective ways of drawing the line between legitimate and illegitimate, which requires first a definition of where that line is. Research is underway to find out, but for a number of technical reasons, defining "how much is too much" is very difficult.
Of that, I'm grateful. Its important to find out what is to be considered "legit" and what is BS. I would hope that those doing the research aren't left-wingers and otherwise don't have a dog in this race.
You probably don't want my opinion on this, but here it is anyway. There shouldn't be any punative damages unless laws were broken and can be proven broken beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of criminal law. Civil court damages really ought to be based on restitution only. If something isn't right, it simply ought to be made illegal by the elected legislature, not by the unelected court system.