Arbitration -- Time for Change?

FINRA arbitration cases may set another record this year -- after a whopper 2009. Not a big surprise given the fallout from the market crash and credit crisis. But some things are different today -- including the high number of complicated product cases -- the complexity is bewildering. But more to the point: Does the FA get a fair rap in these arbitration cases; how about the investor? Maybe this is a good time to look at reforming the system. After all, these FINRA arbitration cases are essentially sponsored by the industry -- so, once again, does the FA get a fair shake? What about the client?