[pengwing]

As founder and main developer of a product, I feel that both the first suggestion of an aqui-hire and the second suggestion of getting a regular job at MSFT are completely ludicrous. Far too weak.

Framing this as becoming an employee at MSFT directly establishes a position of inferiority. This should have been about a licensing deal with the option to purchase some premium support on top to facilitate the integration. A B2B deal will never involve HR.

You don't have to be a tough negotiator yourself, but then please seek advice from a manager representing you.

[stjohnswarts]

Yeah unless you are a Kernighan or Torvalds or Vanrossum aqui-hire doesn't seem like a real thing because middle management can never stand to have someone who isn't 100% under their power.