This is really the key point. She was preparing for war early, and gathering ammunition for the suit. Meanwhile, Barta was not documenting the legit issues they did have with Meyer (ie the retaliation on players who complained about Griesbaum, generally being a horrible person to work with/for) and was so totally unprepared.
I think Barta & Co figured since she was so angry and miserable that would cover them for the legitimacy of the firing, but their story got overwhelmed by hers, since they didnt' really tell it. And he must have been getting dreadful legal advice along the way. Not saying the AD did no wrong, or she had no case, but if they'd have handled a few non-material things differently, they could have won.
I don't think there are any winners in this affair. Except Meyer's legal team.