Further, Microsoft and the DoJ have asked judge CKK to hold the fairness hearings (if any - her choice) on March 4th, well before the March 11th hearing with the states not in agreement (lest she be influenced thereby).

This sounds like the same logic that said Jackson's (apparent) contempt for Microsoft showed "improper" bias. Any opionions or (even better) facts that might lead a judge to form their own opinion are to be excluded as an improper influence. You can only be a proper jurist by refusing to allow the evidence before you to actually contribute to your conclusion.

Amazing.