No, they do not deserve credit for going back on their word.

In the end it really was not the Nic per se that put them in the horrible position they found themselves in...it was having spent years on a stagnant list at a weak carrier. With regard to SLI they put forth their argument, made their case and in the end pledged to honor the finding of an independent arbiter. As much as we may commiserate with their plight, they deserve no credit for going back on that promise.