Small claims is awesome to watch. The judge has a load of 'discretionary' power. In some cases, the judge makes a decision, and then one of the litigants mouths off to the court and the judge CHANGES the verdict. I've seen it happen.
I had a small claims case once myself. The judge listened to me, asked to see the burned clothing and bedding (used dryer burned up my clothes on the first use) and when it was time for the 'defendant' to speak, the judge had ONE question: "Did the dryer you sold her burn her clothing?" The defendant was a mean guy with a bad temper. The defendant started to go into an explanation and the judge cut him off, and asked again, "Did the dryer burn her clothing?" Defendant tried again to explain and the judge just pounded his gavel and found in my favor. Wheeee. Was fun to do, but scary. Shortest case I'd ever seen. Probably took 5 minutes start to finish. I was happy not to be the defendant. Whew! That guy was so angry. He had to come pick up the dryer and give me back my money. He was also supposed to pay me for the ruined clothing and bedding, but he refused. I didn't press the matter. Hated to see him again, but we got it done and I got him out of here as fast as I could.
Gotta be nice to the judge. In small claims, the judge goes on 'feelings' about the litigants. I'd do it again if I had a good case.