I must make a confession. While I didn't directly chime in on the original post and what happened, I did have a comment to make regarding someone else's comment and/or position and/or assumption and/or assertion. When I felt free to weigh in on this thread, I did so with the full belief that the OP not only shared what happened but that he asked for everyone's opinion on how he decided to handle the situation and possibly also their view on his personal morality.
I have just gone back and re-read the original post carefully, and assuming that it has not been edited, I was incorrect in my assumption that he was asking for opinions, approval and/or disapproval. My second read gives me the impression that he was excited about a windfall and wanted to share it with his friends. I don't know how I got the idea he was asking whether he should have handled it differently.
Now please bear with me. I sometimes take Ambien due to a medical condition, and sometimes that affects judgement. In some ways, just like being drunk. If I am now completely wrong and have missed the entire point of the OP's post, please give me a little grace. I assumed too much, it seems. I suppose the OP can run a poll if he wishes, but I regret posting under an incorrect assumption. My apologies. Next time I will wait until asked before considering whether to offer an assessment or critique.
We have a nice hobby here, and a nice place to discuss it with friends. I'd like to keep those friends and likewise keep the place, and will work toward that goal in the future. If anyone here finds that I have not, feel free to slap me up side the head. But privately.
Finally, I am realizing that this post is way too long for a short point, but since I have put so much effort into writing it, I'll post it as it stands. Feel free to un-read everything above. And somebody invite me to go metal detect with them. Please.
David