Originally Posted by roberino

Apologies if this is too late to help OP, but I've had two EU261 claims with LH. Their first port of call on both was to phone me - conversation went something like this both times:

LHCSR: Hello Roberino, I am calling in regard to your EU261 claim for flight LH1234 on 12/12/22. We have investigated your claim and found that the reason for the delay does not qualify for compensation under EU261 rules.
Roberino: [politely] Thank you for the call. I believe that this is not correct so I am informing you that I will pursue this via a third party claims company who will contest this on my behalf.
LHCSR: We understand that you have the right to do that Roberino. We would like to offer you a goodwill payment of [same amount as EU261 compensation] if you would be willing to cease your claim. Would that be OK?
Roberino: It would. Thank you for your call.

My point is, that they reject all/most claims off the bat then expect a high percentage of people to just drop the matter. By informing them immediately that you intend to pursue it you are letting them know that won't happen. At this point it will be cheaper for them to simply give you the money than fight the claim (assuming it was valid in the first place). A lawyer's letter will likely have the same effect but will cost you money.

I'm also curious as to whether there is an "accounting" benefit to LH to offer a goodwill payment rather than EU261???