[runjake]

Not an employee and no knock to sama, but I bet the primary motivator was “I want my stock value intact and as high as possible”.

[eternalyxiii]

I would tend to agree, but wonder if they'll be able to have this honest introspection. Also, did they know about Q* and it's implications beforehand, my guess is most staff did not.

[loveparade]

I think the primary reason was that there's little to lose by signing the letter. It's not a legally binding agreement to quit and never go back. If you changed your mind, OAI would happily take you back. On the other hand, if you don't sign you'll lose a potential opportunity.

So from a game theory perspective the only rational action is to sign, no matter what you believe.