I've met some employers who dangle these sorts of things in front of people, probably telling themselves that they are being sincere, but when the time comes to

I've met some employers who dangle these sorts of things in front of people, probably telling themselves that they are being sincere, but when the time comes to deliver there's always a new goalpost. They have the same motivation as any manipulator, to take from you as much time and energy as you can be cajoled into giving. Obviously I wasn't there, but that would be my suspicion. GP responded to being shamed appropriately. There are times in my life when I have been the sucker who feels compelled to double down. Perhaps it's a form of sunk cost falacy.