Yes, tend to agree. Do not see any loss of face for anyone in moving Rudkin sideways and getting a proper DoF in, but who knows.
Regrettably feels like the more money (and retaining Rudkin in his DoF) is most likely, which would be a shame, as that feels like kicking the can down the road and repeating an issue of handing an uncomfortable amount of power to the manager.
But who knows, this club does surprise on occasion.