It is also unclear if one has to keep playing. The expected value is very different if after the fifth guess one can thank Balmer for the opportunity and walk away.
Reminds me of the viral video, goes something like "I'll pay you $20 if I can pour 2 cups of water on your head" and then only pour 1 cup and walk away.
As the old saying can go, "It depends on what the meaning of 'can' can be."