Basil,
I’m also new here (1st post). Good question and I agree with Simon’s and Adam’s answers.
As an aside, I have found in business time and again that it is not worth dealing with rude, arrogant people. They all too often have a scewed view of reality.
I thought the moderators comments were on the harsh side at first but thought “no, he’s right. A deal is a deal, after all.”

The next thing to decide is how can you best safeguard your interests, given the breakdown, without EXPLOITING the other party. Many people will disagree what ruthless is but most will, I think, will agree what constitutes exploitation.

And I think that is really your question, Basil. Do I have to exploit people?
I’d say no. My experience is that it is detrimental to everyone sooner or later.

Thanks for bringing it up and allowing me to get it a bit straighter in my own head.

Regards,
Griffon