If Havelock really is willing to pay 10 BTC just for him to let go of all this stuff, I don't think that their funding situation is that dire. But I think it's pretty unprofessional if these mails really come from Havelock!
How so? 10BTC is always going to be better than facing a claim in the hundreds. Also, if they have to go to court that will definitely cost them more than 10BTC at current prices.