The money I would have let go. If you're not offered a severance, you're better off negotiating a great reference (including an open offer of introduction) than trying to shake them down for money.

I can see that he's successful, but there are so many ways he could have played this better. Let's compare:

A. A lifelong agreement from one of the most successful people in our generation to give a positive reference and introductions to top investors, in exchange for a small concession (non-disparagement and non-litigation regarding the company and the termination).

B. Emotional catharsis associated with discussing a termination in embarrassing detail.

I'd take A.