Actually TPTB already gave his idea which was to do an actual startup software company for JAMBOX with transparent founder and key developer identities on linkedin, etc., use legal crowdfunding and legal, qualified investors (there are some of those even here in crypto land you know?)

Good idea, bad idea, I don't know, but it was definitely an idea.

I don't see anything wrong with contract work even for an ICO though, but it's easy for that to be a bit of a sham. A contract worker should be paid to do specific work as a truly independent contractor. As long as that is reality of the relationship and not a wink-wink relationship, I see nothing wrong with it. The guy needs money, I wouldn't shit on his ability to work for a living.

That said, I agree with something HONCHO posted earlier which is that TPTB should really leave crypto (as a profession) and get a job doing the kind of software work he can be very well paid for and doesn't violate any laws (and then, if he wants, like many of us, pursue crypto as a hobby). It's his call though, following his passion even though it is hard to make money in crypto without some sort of scamming or association with scamming is understandable.