You are lucky that the incident caught you just when you were ripe for a new hobby.
I’ll admit enjoying my newfound knowledge. I’m not actively looking to be litigious, but it’s great to know I’m ready if it comes to that again.
On a more practical note, the whole process was lengthy, but very clear and fair. We have a justice system, someone committed fraud against me, so I turned the cranks on the machine and got some justice. fwiw, I was also mentally prepared to lose, and learn what I did wrong if that happened. Not being too emotionally attached to a legal situation is a very good policy.
Nice job anyway, and an interesting read. Let's hope he'll be more honest hereafter (although I doubt it)
I paid with my time. If I was sour about it, I might say “that’s time I’ll never get back”, but I consider it a wonderful learning experience and time well spent.