oh, I don’t know…it shows either a complete lack of preparation on their part or (more likely given that their original pitch was more reasonable) an underhanded attempt to get particular expertise/kudos on the cheap As I said, my pay rate is pretty common knowledge: I have a specific position, and you can google that position, my employer, and see what I’m paid within a narrow bracket. My position title also makes my level of seniority very clear. Either way, not a group I want to work with, so if I burnt any bridges I’m not too bothered

I wasn’t at all rude to them, I was genuinely just shocked and politely terminated the discussion (albeit after a slight chuckle). I can think of many individuals in my equivalent position/approximate field who will be a lot more blunt with them than I was, should they attempt the same thing!