When Palin was elected state governor in 2006, she decided not to spend her own taxpayers' money on it either.

CNN: Did Palin support 'Bridge to Nowhere?'

Because he has decided not participate in the system, Obama will be able to spend an unlimited amount of money during the general election.

CNN: McCain attacks Obama for opting out of public financing

That public customer may also have decided to only spend a certain amount to litigate or hired counsel on a contingency basis (and counsel may not have had a ton of confidence in the ultimate dollar value of the case hence, the rationale behind a 15.5% settlement).

FORBES: Customer Settled Suitability and Churning Case But Stockbroker Wins Expungement