I get you John, and I'm not disagreeing with you, and suppose the same could be said for having lyrics inspired by music melody. I also get the ethical perspective, but she has expressed a desire to the lyricist in going forward together, and he has expressed disinterest for whatever reason? Given that, I don't think she should feel much obligation concerning inspiration of melody--it's hers IMO no matter where it was inspired, just as conversely the lyrics would be his had they been inspired by her music--JMO, and maybe copyright law is not on my wavelength--and that is the final say. You are more knowledgeable than me on those matters for sure.

steady-eddie