> Let's say the SEC tells you "don't do X or we will sue you" but you believe that the SEC's request is invalid for whatever reason. Is there a way to get a judge to decide on whether you are right, before you do X and get sued?

I believe you can file an action seeking a declaratory judgement, but as I understand there is generally little reason: a Wells Notice is not, as I understand it, a “we might sue you if you do X” thing but more of “our staff have determined you have done X and that we should sue you for it on basis Y, but you have an opportunity to submit a legal brief to convince us that our staff are wrong before we approve their recommendation” thing.