I confirmed the compensation range via email directly with the hiring manager at the company and again with HR during the initial pitch screening call. "That won't be a problem." was the response. I don't work with 3rd-party or external recruiters so it most definitely wasn't any confusion there.

Now, they might have thought "this guy isn't worth $X, let's offer him $Y" instead, but offering an exceptionally senior candidate $100K is one hell of a "we don't think you're worth it" snub. It's insulting.