This looks like some kind of marketing. Also, the equivalent of spec work. The NDA/secrecy also means any time spent on this is completely meaningless to the participants unless they win the lottery, because results can't be published.
Skimping out on 2.5 pennies you promised someone is cartoon villain levels of greed.
Yes, I know, Altman is a cartoon villain. But please, they are spending more money decorating their bathrooms. They'll pay out.
These guys have poor track records and compromised incentives.