In essence, we have a reward structure that we think is internally consistent, attracts the right sorts of research, and makes an optimal use of our resources -

In essence, we have a reward structure that we think is internally consistent, attracts the right sorts of research, and makes an optimal use of our resources - and we try to apply it fairly. Here, we handled the communications poorly, and I think it's OK to call us out on that. In fact, I think it would be wrong to offer a reward in hopes of buying silence from the reporter :-)