Integrity isn't about technical or legal validity. It's about having made an agreement with someone, and honoring it.
Finding a semantic or legal way to breach an agreement is wack. Extra-much so if due to interpersonal static.
I don't know the parties involved nor do I like the attempt to adjudicate the matter in the court of Internet public opinion, but I do understand why folks are reacting to the story.
I would argue that it is the employee, and not the employer, that is searching for a semantic or legal way to breach an agreement. The agreement was that employees (not ex-employees) are eligible for referral bonuses. He failed to settle this issue during his time as an employee, and is now searching for a semantic or legal method to do so as an ex-employee.
Finding a semantic or legal way to breach an agreement is wack. Extra-much so if due to interpersonal static.
I don't know the parties involved nor do I like the attempt to adjudicate the matter in the court of Internet public opinion, but I do understand why folks are reacting to the story.