Janke, I think your points are WELL made. Still, I wish that the system could be "tweaked". Much like the unjustly incarcerated individual who is given a monetary settlement -- it just does NOT make up for the time lost. IMHO, with the ridiculous amount of time that it takes for cases in some states to come before an ALJ, lives are already virtually ruined -- even a LARGE backpay award doesn't always help get a house, car, good credit, etc. back.

Sadly, it seems like the more educated as to the process the applicant is, the more likely they will prevail. It saddens me for those who do not have GOOD "help" and/or computer access.