somethings about small claims court that you need to know. Even if the other party does not show up. You still have to validate your claim.
In reviewing the CJ tos and the host gator TOS, it might say that you have to follow certain steps in order to file a claim against them or might say arbitration ( which in most cases is legal ) is the only way to resolve disputes.
now excluding those items, you would want to prepare the case in the following manner.
a) terms from CJ
b) terms from Host Gator
c) your traffic logs
d) your click logs to host gator
e) records of the sign-ups from host gator ( ip proof might also be included )
f) HG refusal to pay,
g) CJ refusal to deal with the issue ( don't forget to cite the terms why they refuse )
you might need the following :
validation from all the sign-ups proving that your not related to them.
beyond that it will be the judge that makes the ruling based on the facts presented.
If it was me, I would show a logic flow of the process, starting from the persons search, to your landing page, to the sign-up to the confirmation ......
nice and big with easy on the eyes logic.
if your lucky and you win, the judge might call a recess and invite you into his chambers to get a better explanation of what you do, If your real lucky, the judge might request that you be on his rolodex for important questions dealing with this type of subject ( don't refuse, since being a judges hot-line guy has certain power of benefit and it pays off real well if you can articulate very well ) or help him with his blog.
in any way, small claims court still requires you to prove your side. so take the 20 or 30 hours and do a proper presentation.
billy good - cause I always bill them good