[boggled]

Negative effects? How so? It might be discovered? It is true that focusing on negatives can be counterproductive, and some negative emotions are better off unexpressed. However, I am following the advice of a Harvard business school professor to "quit early and often" in this case. I have other projects of my own that I wish to pursue. What I have decided is to encourage my cofounder to find others he can work with, which he is doing. No agreements are written and no company or partnership has been formed, so there are no contractual issues. (Maybe a loss for me if the venture does eventually become successful, but I believe this is a low probability event.)

I did try to improve things after my first pseudonymous rant (which you noted). Remaining professional under difficult circumstances was a good exercise, but I have had enough. The experience of finding work in a place free of manipulation, hostility and psychological baggage led me to the conclusion that I need not suffer these things, especially not in a spare time project.