I have heard this line enough with regards to Google that I believe it is Standard Operating Procedure. Your counterparty knows they are in a negotiation. The

I have heard this line enough with regards to Google that I believe it is Standard Operating Procedure. Your counterparty knows they are in a negotiation. They have been in thousands of negotiations. They have a written list of words to say because they win negotiations. You can adapt to this environment, for example by coming in with prepared messaging of your own, and not meekly acquiescing to their first offer when their second offer is their first offer plus the food they were going to give you anyhow. (News you can use guys: this is also Standard Operating Procedure.)