Small claims win over a $1,200 deposit, but the judge cut my damages in half

My buddy went through almost the same thing in Skokie a couple years back, landlord kept his deposit, he had pics and everything, and the judge still knocked it down because he could not show what the fixes actually cost. The judge basically said the landlord did not prove his side either, so they met in the middle and called it done. He was mad for a week but then looked into appealing and found out you have to pay more fees and show the judge messed up on the law, not just that you disagree with the number. For 600 bucks that math does not work out, you would burn way more time and money chasing it than you would ever get back. Take the check, cash it fast before the guy drags his feet, and tell everyone you know to take date stamped photos and get repair quotes in writing next time.