Would it not be a whole lot cheeper for FR to pay the passenger than wasting much more money on courts.
That arguement could be used for every company, in every industry, that they should just pay out rather than questioning flawed legislation.
Ryanair didn't cancel the flight, the flight was cancelled for them and they along with everyone else were refused permission to fly.
Finally WW forced the EU's hand and you can bet he talked with a few others in the Industry before doing so.
EU Govts can't on one hand decide to stop business operating and then state its not our problem you pick up any costs with no limit to it.