Moving this thread here as I think it's better suited for this forum...Played the local $130 tourney tonight, 52 entrants including rebuys, 4 of us left.

I’m second in chips with around 130k, leader has about 140k, 3rd and 4th have about 65k and 45k. Blinds are all the way up to 3000/6000 with 6000 BB ante, and are set to go up in about 8 mins to 4K/8k.

3rd place offers to make a deal for even money split ~$800 each. 4th place jumps right on board. Chip leader says nothing. I say I’m not on board given my stack, I will do a chip chip or ICM chop. 3rd and 4th place begin to berate me telling me the blinds are ridiculous and that they will remember this moment, and know how to treat me now the next time they have a chip lead on me in a tournament. Chip leader and floor director are awol in this, I’m left to fend for myself. They very begrudgingly accept the ICM chop once they see I’m not giving in.

Here’s the thing. Only 3rd place had an idea of ICM and how to play given the blinds. First place was like $1400. I guess I might have come across as a little condescending when talking about my stack size (unintentionally) but Am I wrong for assertively rejecting this offer? What’s the best way to diplomatically handle this? Now I’ve got a bounty on my head next tourney for no reason which is fine with me, but it kind of soured what was otherwise a good time (and up to that point friendly game) at the poker room tonight.

You were not wrong, and in my room, this happens occasionally, up to the poin of "them remembering next time".

However, I have not noticed that in the future, they play any different;y or attack at me like I have a bounty on my head.

Brush it off, take the ICM, and go about your day not feeling bad at all.

Your opponents were completely off base and you were absolutely right not to take an even split which would have been highway robbery for you.

Tell them that if they don't like playing short stacked or they don't like the stress of the final table, they shouldn't be playing tournaments.

"blinds are so huge"...
Usually these "live regulars" don't know nothing about nash and ranges...They are too tight or try to "steal" some blinds with 27o...
There is plenty of play especially when 2 shorter stacks are danger zone...ing... it's funny when shorter stack proposes some deal like killer conditions...The isnt big stack should offer some deal?

Definitely don't worry about it. I've turned down plenty of deals in these kind of spots, but despite grumbling rarely received any pushback in subsequent games. Hell, if they start spite calling you, you're typically not the one losing ev.

I've even had games where I turned down an unfavourable even split, got sour looks, but after losing an all in they still accepted my own offer of an (now favourable for me) even split!