Not really harsh at all. All I'm basing my assumption on is from speaking with an ex player who informed me that under normal circumstances your captain and goal scorers are usually the top paid players in the squad.
Why would AFC upset that by bringing in someone who has played very little football and offer him more? Or ultimately cost the club more wages for the likes of Rooney and Shinnie who more than likely have clauses in their contracts that keep them at the top.
I've seen nothing in the press or anywhere other than on here that suggests AFC were/are prepared to make GMS the highest earner at the club.