If there is a real disagreement between law and what the judge thinks is right they should rule in favour of the law (but grant sanctions etc. as close to just as possible). He/she can then publicly complain about the law or run for congress to change it.
Please note that I am in favour of what the Judge has said but think that if his ruling stands it is a big change in the law and it is the wrong way to do that.
If party A has a valid patent party B must license or work around. I don't understand why it would be just for party A to have to prove actual damages. That they have been denied license fees OR elected not to license to retain exclusivity is surely evidence it self of damage.
Had the judge taken one look at the patents and declared them obvious and lacking novelty And given the Patent Office an earful I would fully have approved but to me he seems to have said even valid patents are only enforceable in limited conditions which should be set out in law.