This whole debate is stupid. Supposedly during the trial Michael took temporary financing to the tune of 10% interest. That is $30,000,000 a year on $300M. The new terms were much better but it still isn't like the earnings from the catalog go only to pay the debt down, they pay interest as well I assume.
And borrowing money to invest in something that makes more for you than you pay in interest is smart if you can do it. The problem is all that time that Michael had to spend on the court case and recovery from it. He may well be cash poor at this point. That is not the same as being a pauper. It is correct however that we really don't know.
If I were Michael I would want it all, control of the catalog, some petty cash for an occasional urn or two, my reputation back, and to create music that will assure my immortality. Nothing wrong with that. People don't usually only have one reason for doing things unless they are terminally dull or stupid, and we certainly know Michael isn't either of those. I think he is holding a straight flush myself and about to cash in.
Also, Michael has missed concerts. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't he cancel the last dates of his last tour to go into treatment after the Chandler thing hit the fan. Was he faking? I doubt it actually. There is more than one way to be sick. They tried to bring him down and almost succeeded, but he is back. It is the steady determination over time that counts. Sometimes the will to heal is a part of it.
If I may, one of my favorite poems, "Will", goes like this:
There is no chance, no destiny, no fate
Can circumvent, or hinder, or control
The firm resolve of a determined soul.
Gifts count for nothing; will alone is great;
All things give way before it soon or late.
What obstacle can stay the mighty force
Of the sea-seeking river in its course,
Or cause the ascending orb of day to wait?
Each well-born soul must win what it deserves.
Let the fool prate of luck. The fortunate
Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves,
Whose slightest action or inaction serves
The one great aim.
Why, even Death stands still
And waits an hour sometimes for such a will
