It’s possible that there’s a condition in which he can earn slightly more but that triggers a…
LauraSmash
1

yes, I believe that is exactly what he’s doing, so I guess it is rational. But for reasons many other people in this comment thread have hashed out, I still think it’s dodgy. I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive.

ETA: just read your other comment further down. I think we’re in agreement!