On the one hand, being the benefactor who keeps a client just above the edge of collapse should, theoretically, and especially when there is no ready alternative, provide the patron with a tremendous amount of leverage over his dependent.

On the other hand, if the client threatens that failure will result in a local catastrophe which will, at the very least, cost the patron his influence, and probably also increase the danger to him, then the client can milk the benefactor through a kind of extortion.

Do you trust our agents to play this game well? Better than the competition?

As usual, we are trying to buy obedience and love with our charity. As usual, we receive intimidation and resentment.

How’s about this: “We can’t wait, just cause they hate. Have no doubt, we’ll bail them out.”