Please cite where I have ever said that no admission of liability is the same as exoneration!  That is wrong and I have never claimed that.

The company's fine was far less than what it would have cost to prepare and try the case.  That is a fact and it is indisputable.  if you believe otherwise, you are wrong and obviously have never been involved in major, current day litigation.  The fine was really minimal in the scheme of things and the former CEO had already stepped down and an officer / director.  So the handwriting was on the wall that he was going to accept an officer / director ban in a settlement.