Unlike most commenters, I would like to offer some words of support to Brian. Much like rape victims used to be judged on everything from their dress style to b

Unlike most commenters, I would like to offer some words of support to Brian. Much like rape victims used to be judged on everything from their dress style to being out late after dark, you are being judged on everything from your writing style to your choice of deal structure. If the blame lies with the victim then surely nothing bad could happen to us, right? All in all, I think you offered rather good reasons for structuring the deal that way even though hindsight says otherwise. It's staggeringly naive to think that any amount of lawyering could "sort a deal out a 100%". People who make those sorts of comments have very limited business experiences and don't know the true meaning of the phrase "history is written by winners". I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do next. I do hope you get a lawyer - even if you don't like to think of yourself as a litigious type, it will help you achieve some closure. Please keep us posted on your situation.