If a valid CCW holder was killed or injured in a gun-free zone, they or their estate should be entitled to damages from the hosting entity.
That is my take on this, too, and a good reason for seeking adjudication.
I do not see this as a frivolous lawsuit.
If those plaintiffs were denied ( or the deceased relatives were denied) being able to defend themselves by policy of the establishment (as opposed to State, local, or Federal law), I, too, would think that by denying that right (to carry concealed, as permitted within the State) as a condition of admission, the responsibility for the protection of the patrons therein should lie with the establishment or the franchise, whichever established the policy above and beyond the law.
I don't see where being adjudicated against nor not signing away rights to appeal should bring the expense of legal fees against those plaintiffs, but then that would be cause for seeking an appeal.