AI, Not sure if we may be talking about the same person, but I think one of the recent departees (and i imagine others may follow) agreed with the company that he wouldnt make a claim against them re: the time 1.5 backpay thats tied up in the courts if the company waived the remainder of his/her bond.
Company agreed and everyone went home happy. Think there are a couple of other recent departures who may be taking a different line ie: challenging it rather than negotiating a deal.
Agreed if I was underbond would bargain it down if I was in a position to do so (ie owed money) but at the end of the day would be prepared to pay it.