Bob, regarding tax free status for settlements, there needs to be personal injury involved. So settlements from the Wamu bankruptcy would be taxable. IMO...taxed as Long Term Capital Gains.
"There are two thresholds you must meet in order to consider your settlement tax-free. The settlement must be the result of a personal injury, which could include an illness, and the wrongful party must be the reason for the settlement. If damages were awarded because of an act of negligence, you are in the clear in terms of taxes. If it was determined there was no wrongdoing involved, the settlement is taxable."