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Notes -
Neither did I, but now the cat is out of the bag, so let's have a look.
By the images of him online, Altman is okay looking. I wouldn't say he's super handsome, but he's at least high average. Thiel is okay-looking too. While I don't want to imagine any exchange of favours for favours, hypothetically let us say that if Altman offered a foot rub, so to speak, I don't see why Thiel would refuse on grounds of looks.
Probably it was more traditional currying favour with the boss and being the kind of guy that is "I like you, you're not a yes man!" "Thanks boss, that's your innate good sense and amazing instinct for making the right choice at work once more" that got him any positive attention and support.
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