@Property2 They made the request just prior to arbitrator bring assigned. So yes, it appears they can force us all back to small claims court. Step 3 it appears. Very poor way of them to handle this, wear us all out so we give up, they hope!
R-9. Small Claims Option for the Parties
If a party’s claim is within the jurisdiction of a small claims court, either party may
choose to take the claim to that court instead of arbitration as follows:
(a) The parties may take their claims to small claims court without first filing with
the AAA.
(b) After a case is filed with the AAA, but before the arbitrator is formally appointed
to the case by the AAA, a party can send a written notice to the opposing party
and the AAA that it wants the case decided by a small claims court. After receiving
this notice, the AAA will administratively close the case.
(c) After the arbitrator is appointed, if a party wants to take the case to small claims
court and notifies the opposing party and the AAA, it is up to the arbitrator to
determine if the case should be decided in arbitration or if the arbitration case
should be closed and the dispute decided in small claims court.