Some of the apprehension certainly stems from this kind of thinking. Goodell's track record, combined with the kind of year the NFL has recently had, are reasons to be skeptical.
I've got to admit that I feel much better about not getting a fine now then I ever have before, though. As far as the length of the investigation goes, that could point to any number of things, most simply the fact that lawyers like to rack up billable hours at 1,000 per hr. It could be good for us, bad for us, or anywhere in between--depending upon personal opinion. Or as noted, it could mean nothing