I"ll wager ten to one its a republican judge eager to steal the investors money
That is ridiculous. The bankruptcy judge is following Federal Law to the letter. And he is not "stealing" anything.
As the Judge stated in his recent letter to regarding his denial of the equity committee, the common equity holders lost all value a long time ago. A quick look at the financial statements make that very clear. Equity holders are always last in line for the assets. They only get what is left after all debtors and creditors receive 100% of what they are owed. And in this case, they are hundreds of millions of dollar short of what is owed.
The bankruptcy plan has been approved and is close to completion. The equity will be permanently cancelled very shortly, and it could occur at any time.