[ryanSrich]

> other people reviewed the situation and decided just to offer a generous employment package.

Then why be shady? Why not just say this? Seems very odd to beat around the bush.

"Hey, man. Your app is great and we really like but upon further review we feel like it still needs work. We'd love for you to come work for us and help integrate into product yyy"

^ That seems a hell of a lot more likely to get a bite than basically faking an acquisition.