Erm... because that $10M is a conjecture, while the $1M is a cost paid upfront with complete certainty? Or do you want to pay in equity? Also - because someone

Erm... because that $10M is a conjecture, while the $1M is a cost paid upfront with complete certainty? Or do you want to pay in equity? Also - because someone else is willing to do the same job for less? I'm not sure that "framing my value" will help me when someone is willing to do the same for less money.