Maybe waiting around is a deterrent to others to create the same problem, and once they see the cost to BP they will be swayed. Thereby persauding other companies not to make the same mistake...so they don't end up owing tens of billiions of dollars.
You know...sort of like how laws are supposed to work in the U.S.
Harsh punishment = fuck that I don't want to owe tens of billions of dollars. Pay the $120,000 for the CBL from Schlumberger and take the 10 hours to install more centralizers. That's a minor cost compared to having a leaking well.
Just saying.