I think that btce probably gives 55% coins back based on the value at the day of down fall. E.g. 1 btc valued at $2546 * 55% = $1400 / $3800 = 0.3685 bitcoins (at current $3800 price). Could be wrong but makes much sense, because this means socializing losses.
Anyway, personally, I dont care if coin holders get 55% of coins and fiat users get 55% in different coins (= resulting in probably another 10% loss). Because have written it off as loss already some days ago...
I doubt they are doing this for their own dollar benefits. In many parts of the world, trust really means something. They made already millions every month. They are on interpol red notice. USA wants them. They know what the stakes are and who made them rich and they just do not want to steal from their customers.
I want to believe this, as I was foolish enough to keep most of my funds there. This is what I get for waiting in USD for the dip and not spreading around the exchange risk. They were just so damn reliable for so many years.
I agree that they don't want to steal from us. But the stakes are also very high regarding the FBI, and it is unknown how much fiat can be recovered in time (due to clearance from affiliation with the exchange). There must be something in it for them to want to risk bringing the site back up at all.