Oh I agree completely. Up front info is worth gold. If I know it is one of the scenarios you mentioned, or haggling is expected, game on! I am fine with a ha

Oh I agree completely. Up front info is worth gold. If I know it is one of the scenarios you mentioned, or haggling is expected, game on! I am fine with a haggle. Lots of ways to see value. Great discussion! In your narrow scenario, I would compute needs plus reasonable wants, then add on compensation for any draconian policy and drop a number. Hit or miss. Not my problem, unless it is. If it is my problem? Get a deal, keep life funded and look for better as ones risk and cost profile permits. One qualifier is whether the position has a sales or biz dev component. Deffo haggle. Expected. There is a need to sell too, so make it sizzle.