Quote - Johnny's attitude is commendable IMVHO. some users may not even bother to ask permission, if it's true that dishonest users have tried to package and sell freestuff items in collections at warez sites.  however, $25 is a bargain, if all sales are attributable to the promo renders.  those cars are so finely detailed that the creator could sell them here along with the Ford, chevy, pontiac, audi, benz and other trade-mark/trade-dress autos, which means he could have asked for a percentage of sales rather than just a one-time $25 fee.

I agree. You did the right thing negotiating with the artist, Johnny, instead of just using the item in terms that went against the conditions of use. However, nothing obligates the artist to reward you for being honest. Indeed, as Miss Nancy pointed out, $25 as a one-time fee for a commerical render is pretty reasonable.

A commercial render should generate some income for you. See that $25 as an expense.

Monterey/Mint21.x/Win10 - Blender3.x - PP11.3(cm) - Musescore3.6.2

Wir sind gewohnt, daß die Menschen verhöhnen was sie nicht verstehen
[it is clear that humans have contempt for that which they do not understand] 

Metaphor of Chooks