It sounds like he was paid, and gets to work on his app. It may not be maximizing the value, but it seems to be similar to accepting a job at a company. He has

It sounds like he was paid, and gets to work on his app. It may not be maximizing the value, but it seems to be similar to accepting a job at a company. He has steady income instead of long term rights. Perfectly reasonable choice. So would putting a second license for paying customers as an available choice.