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.
Yeah but paying someone 10 BTC just to go away could very well be interpreted as a way of admitting your guilt or something. Also people were claiming that Havelock loses a lot of money and may become insolvent.