> If there was even the slightest expectation there would be a judge,

Okay, I'm confused. My anecdote, which comes from Australia, indicates a 100% expectation of a judge. Are you saying that in Texas, a $US6K matter is likely to be considered too vexatious/trivial to receive a trial?

Or is it actually possible to decline a lawsuit in the USA?

This is an "explain it to me like I'm five years old" moment. I really don't know what you guys are talking about.