Yes, the in-game currency settlement is awful, but the Ars Technica headline writer is making it sound more awful than it really is, because, quote:
In addition to the virtual currency, Epic will also be providing "up to $26.5 million in cash and other benefits to U.S.-based Fortnite and Rocket League players" to settle the claims.
> Each Settlement Class Member who timely submits a valid Claim Form will be entitled to receive their choice of either a cash award (up to $50 ...
The claim form isn't posted yet on the website. It has to be physically mailed in to the lawyers, with all your personal info. Of 10 million Rocket League and Fortnite players, how many do you think will actually mail that in? They're betting it's less than 1 in 20. I'd wager it's going to be more like 1 in 2000, which costs Epic just $0.25M, leaving $26.25M for the lawyers.
> Upon receipt of a Claim Form, the Settlement Administrator will determine your eligibility to receive an award. Depending on the number of Approved Claims, it is possible that each Settlement Class Member’s award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis after payment of settlement administration costs, attorney’s fees and expenses, and Incentive Awards to the Plaintiffs.
Even if the number of approved claims is not already small, the cash is for the lawyers first, Epic is paying the players primarily with in-game currency.
How much did the lawyers get paid?