I don't believe the judge changed the interpretation of the law. I believe the judge agreed with the arguments of the debtor that the facts involving his particular case warranted the ability to discharge his debt. that's it. The ruling affects this case and only this case. Other people who wish to discharge their student loan debt in bankruptcy may want to analyze the arguments and findings of this case to be better equipped to prevail in their own cases. But there is still no guarantee that a judge will agree with their arguments as every situation is different.