I have to say that indeed looks like a douchebag move. From what I can see,
gondel indeed offered to create a thread on his own volition. I see that he mentioned some PMs, did he at any time asked for payment before he actually posted the announcement thread?
Anyway, I'll wait a bit for him to come here and tells his side of the story. It would be good to hear the other side of the story, even though I somehow doubt that this member will say anything in his defense. A quick look at his post history reveals a lot, he is an old time legendary who is not really active on the forum, and all his activity is reduced to trying to make money in one way or another - and every attempt to join the signature campaign fails because of the famous rule
"5 merits in 120 days".