[tdrp]

It seems some of the decision hinged around this fact from the article: "self-inflicted wounds are not irreparable injury".

I wonder if there could have been a better sequence of events (e.g. sue first rather than sneaking it in)?

[modeless]

I don't think that would have changed anything. The court still wouldn't have granted Epic special permission to break App Store rules before the lawsuit is resolved. Epic isn't in a worse position for trying it. Unless Apple refuses to let them back in after reversing the payment changes, in retaliation for filing a lawsuit. In which case I think the court should intervene.