I am incapable of working on something unless I am sure in my mind that it will see the light of day by a certain date and that I will control my work as much as I choose to control it. It's Nick's job to determine that the resources are in place so that he can give me a reasonable assurance that the project is on solid ground. It is MUCH easier to deal with him than it is to deal with me. Yes, it is necessary to satisfy Nick because Nick, in turn, must satisfy me. The process of making stuff hurts too much to be entered into lightly.
Artists always have cause for complaint.
Record companies always have cause for complaint. It goes round and round. No one is innocent. In the end it comes down to the people and whether or not you enjoy your time working together on a personal level. You can always find a better drummer or a better guitar player.