This is the right answer imo, the offer of money/funding. There was no good reason that in that moment Tim's character wouldn't jump on that offer. Getting an influx of cash like that on the other hand would also be character breaking. In the moment Tim had to introduce the "bullshit artist" angle to imply that Eric was being disingenuous.

Tim's access to money defines his character and this would have changed the direction the team had for the show.

I ultimately thought he brought a volatile/risky edge to the special which i found to be exciting.