Bankruptcy law, and the class order during bankruptcy and liquidation, is one of the most important tenets of the financial system. Debtors and creditors would never lend anyone money if there was a chance the equity holders could jump in front of them in a bankruptcy. Therefore, the system must stay the way it is.
Yes, buyer beware - anyone investing in stocks should understand how bankruptcy works. If they don't, and it is so simple to understand, there is no excuse for losing their money. It is a no brainer.
MLNT commons are worthless. The stock will go to zero and be wiped out. Anyone foolish enough to hold MLNT common shares will lose 100% of their investment.