It's one of those options that, while you hope you'll never need it, you certainly hope will be there if you do. That Pterry has ended up in a situation where he at least needs to know that the option will be there if he needs it takes nothing away from the value of his work in favor of keeping that option open for himself or any of the rest of us who may need it. I hope that the time when he feels the need to exercise that option doesn't come soon -- just as I hope the same for myself and anyone who has to look that situation in the eye with more immediacy than I do.

(Not contradicting you here, just expanding on your point.)