I will say this: the sign of distress is a sign used among masons, yes. But it is much more a symbol of the ritual that it is part of , than something meant to be used, or allow members of to use, as a means of getting out of trouble. If a mason did this, I would assume he put himself on the block for using it in this manner, as it would put those that it was meant for, in a difficult situation. As stated above, there are those that recuse themselves out of a conflict of interest, and rightly so. However, this does not mean that the one being signaled MUST allow the one signaling a 'free pass'. It is still the job of the person in the position they are placed in, by their peers and/or public to do their job effectively and without prejudice, or favoritism. The fact that some recuse themselves speaks to their moral judgement, as they don't feel they could be unbiased, in that situation. kudos to them for their honor. Because it could have been argued that there was favoritism, had he been acquitted. and even the perception of something afoul, is enough to steer from it. sad when the world takes charity and defense against tyranny as evil, simply because they don't want to investigate it farther than reading what people that know nothing, tell them. And if you are lumping what some corrupted people, or lodges do, as a means by which to label all masons, wouldn't that be the same as lumping all christians, muslims, catholic priests (my favorite example), gun owners, etc. , into the most horrible examples of what they represent, and then justifying it with what the media and social media put out there? I would say to anyone: if you are truly interested in what happens at lodge, simply go to one that has an open house, and\or dinner night. They serve dinner regularly, some serve it once a month, to those that will come. Look around and ask. You will find it is not as mystical, or evil, as you have been led to believe.
"So mote it be".