I have no doubt that Specialized did the math, and figured that it would be more cost-effective to inspect the forks and replace as needed, rather than manufacture 12,000 forks. That would take a lot more time and would result in around 20,000 surplus forks.
This doesn't mean Specialized are a pack of diabolical fiends trying to do the least possible for their customers. It's just business as usual.
I don't believe this will have any effect on lawsuits. If someone is going to sue, they're going to sue.
While I concur that it's a little bit inconvenient, I'm sure the owners will somehow manage to survive the trials and tribulations -- oh, the horror! -- of taking their bike to the shop for a week. And it's no different than, say, a Cannondale recall on Lefty forks, which were not user-serviceable and required taking the bike to an authorized retailer for repairs.