The people do have a point. A 3-ft tree doesn't equal a 25-ft tree, therefore, both trees should not get the same amount of compensation ($34).
I do agree that the only winners are the lawyers. It's every lawyer's dream to have a class action suit. One win and he is set for life (money-wise). So it makes sense for a lawyer to keep fighting for more money (maybe urging the victims). A percentage on [more money] equals a bigger paycheck for the lawyer.