Or to put this story another way, you were the second choice for a position that paid below market rate. The first candidate likely dropped out after receiving

Or to put this story another way, you were the second choice for a position that paid below market rate. The first candidate likely dropped out after receiving the poor offer which explains the 10 day delay. You took the below market pay as a personal insult and decided to be a jerk to the recruiter/company. I don't say this as an insult or an accusation. I am simply pointing out that we often judge others based on a lack of complete information. It isn't necessarily fair to blame recruiters for every indignity that occurs during the recruitment process. Inherently almost everyone who interacts with a recruiter comes away feeling disappointed and slighted. It is a tough job.