When the initial contact comes back "no thanks, Coach Miller is heading back to his alma mater", there's nothing to be gained by going "WHAT ABOUT $4 MILLION!?!?"
As Josh Whitman you know enough about the situation to know that's not a negotiating tactic that's worth precious, precious time in the process. And not just time, you don't want Cuonzo Martin to see "SOURCES: Illini, Miller close to deal" on the internet either.
Well, I'm not suggesting we got after him if we are told he has no interest. If we were going to do that we would offer Cal, coach K, Sean Miller, etc. We obviously have a LOT better chance with Archie whether you like to believe that or not. It is common sense to make an offer only if there is interest. So to that end, I agree that you don't carelessly throw offers out, but get a feeler out and see if it's something he is interested in. If not, walk away. I still stand by the fact that we see if there is interest.