Good post.

I completely agree: it's in nobody's interest that this goes to arbitration.

Having said that, it's also not in one party's interest to pay too much; or for the other to recieve too little.

Other "interests" can often (and do) take precedent.

What I'd like to know is how far both sides are apart in their offers?

I doubt anyone who visits a stock forum board for his/her info knows that answer. If we did, we have a good handle on how close this is to be settled...or not.