I'm pretty sure the club isn't in this for damages. What I am not clear on, though, is what is in it for the club (apart from approval of the Etihad deal obviously). I still think we are missing a big part of the club's strategy just because so little information is in the public domain ....
I could be miles out but this is my guess:
Obviously, only the very higher echelons at CFG will know their motives but, from the outside looking in, we can look at what their actions have achieved and how they reacted.
They have shown up the current PL management for what they are.That is to say, insufferable, incompetent and (either routinely or maliciously) capable of acting unfairly, unreasonably and unlawfully.
There has been precious little in City's actions for the last God knows how long to suggest that CFG care a whole heap about public perception. Therefore, we can fairly confidently rule PR out as a primary motive in exposing what's been going on.
What we did see after the APT case was a new swagger in City's stride vis-a-vis upcoming PL shareholder meetings and intent to obstruct by all means necessary rules they didn't approve. City, if you like, proving they can be big dogs in the boardroom as well as on the pitch.
My guess is they are happy, at the very least, to continue to thwart the PL hierarchy/ Red Cartel until those in power will be happier to have City "inside the tent pissing out", as the saying goes.
If that never happens, then (and this is more likely) with one eye on the proposed regulator, they will have positioned themselves in a place where they will be consulted regarding that restructuring by any incoming overseer. Whoever takes over will want an end to this constant bickering and legislation and they'll need to keep City happy to achieve that.
TL/DR: the squeaky wheel gets the grease.