Theory

Microsoft floated this offer to Altman for buku dollars before any of this takes place

Altman went to the board and requested a raise knowing he has a fantastic plan B.

Board says no because they're a non-profit.

Altman gets petulant (as people my age tend to do).

Old-school boomer "You Work for Me" elements of the board launch a bid to fire him. Their bid succeeds.

Altman goes and blabs about his new gig to his old co-workers (as people my age tend to do).

Microsoft says, "Okay, more talent for us" and extends offers for buku dollars to all OpenAI employees.

Revolution!