How is this a startup solidarity? I'm pretty sure all those companies couldn't care less whether he is a startup or a plumber. They would react the same just on

How is this a startup solidarity? I'm pretty sure all those companies couldn't care less whether he is a startup or a plumber. They would react the same just on the basis that he has asked nicely and they were confident he can get through it. What other options did they have? Lose him as a customer?