stock options were probably the focus rather than the salaries

There was about to be a secondary stock purchase by Thrive where employees could cash out their shares. That likely would've fallen apart if the board won the day. Employees had a massive incentive to get same back.

Yeah, it should be extremely obvious the reason most of the employees were willing to walk is they've hitched their wagons to Altman. The board of openai put the presumed party day all of them were anticipating in jeopardy. Not all of us live in this god forsaken place to "work with cool tech".

Sounds like a good way to to secure your position as leader.

My job also secures my loyalty and support with a financial incentive. It is probably the most common way for a business leader to align interests.

Kings reward dukes, and generals pay soldiers. Politicians trade policies. That doesn't mean they arent leaders.