I understand what you mean when you call it scummy. When money is involved, things get murky. I want to believe that he suffered a 'mental relapse' of sorts, underestimated his power to deliver on his promise.

What you say about being tied to 'two masters', that is the fan community and the publishing company, rings true. I'd argue that there's a third factor complicating things as well, the author's own vision. Balancing all the different demands can certainly be challenging.

Thank you for mentioning Rob Thurman, I'll have to look further into that. How many writers grow frustrated over just being known for one book when their career spanned decades? Of course, there's probably more going on behind the scenes, I just find myself feeling empathetic for that reason. I'm sure all of us would like to be known for more than just one thing in our lives.

Also, thank you for your comment on the Galbraith/Rowling situation. I'd only read an old interview of hers where she said she went for the pseudonym because she wanted to try something new. If what you say is true, it does put things into perspective.