"Hasn't it already been said and proven the domain was registered in 1995. If it had dropped it would have a newer registry date."
One thing which is important to distinguish is the difference between "evidence" and "proof". The registry creation date is relevant evidence, but it does not necessarily mean the domain name was stolen.
"Evidence" is something which is *relevant* to the truth or falsity of a proposition. "Proof" is when you have enough evidence to conclude as to the truth or falsity of a proposition. Mr. Webname has these concepts intuitively nailed down correctly.
What seems fairly certain is that Chris made promises to Hal that, in exchange for money, the domain name would be transferred to Hal. The thing is, that is what was done. There is some dispute about the entirety of promises alleged to have been made, which is why it is helpful to write things down and have them acknowledged by the other side to a proposed transaction.
It is not always a matter of whether it would be economically viable to bring a full blown lawsuit over, say, an $800 contract - because the act of writing it down and signing it carries a certain moral force, and it also can resolve genuine disputes over the extent of agreed-on terms without having to go to court.