You are right but we didn't see it that way then. Look, I also do work for three friends (one an FTer) at no charge. I assist them by writing press releases and advising them on the best way to get them published.

In all three cases, these are start up businesses and I would feel I have been "paid" simply by helping them get off the ground. If they do succeed, I would then ask to be paid for future work.