Ann: Voluntary Suspension, page-264

Maybe the person starting the bet should take up their convictions regardless of the others decision. To show exactly how much of a person they are and not how little the other is. That would be the mark of a real person. 

Maybe the mark of a real person is also not to engage with pathetic showmanship. Is it really worth the effort? Does it really make a difference in the great scheme of the cosmos? Zero impact on how VEC conducts business and trades.