Actually, if you sue someone and they DON'T lose, it means YOU lose. You've spent just as much (or more) on legal fees, time effort, etc. And depending on the circumstances you may also be liable to pay for their legal fees. Only lawyers win in court. If I was being faced with a civil suit I thought was unfounded I'd immediately counter-sue.

Small claims can be useful to keep costs down and in fact even better if settled before it goes to court. Just being served is often enough to get the debtor to come to their senses and pay.

Bruno