> are not flattering. > across as mean and callous

I think you're being too generous. Multiple executives from non-cooperating firms warned Steve Jobs in e-mails that the non-poaching agreements he was asking for were illegal.

Non-poaching, non-solicitation and their cousins are awful for the employee, the industry and future employers. People are not commodities to contract over, and the egregiously pompous executive negotiations will earn fierce punishment from a jury or judge if this doesn't settle.