Ok, maybe shady implies intent that we couldn't possibly know. The approach is absolutely a dark pattern, intentional or not. Either way, the CEOs response is

Ok, maybe shady implies intent that we couldn't possibly know. The approach is absolutely a dark pattern, intentional or not. Either way, the CEOs response is such a giant red flag that any one who sees it should seriously reconsider doing business with him. He seems genuinely unstable.