Personally I don't like characters that are too emotional and crash out due to that.
I'd say the MC's reaction was pretty realistic for someone who can assess the situation they're in, calm and collected. You know how potentially dangerous they are. But if they mean well, complying wouldn't be the worst option.
I for sure would've been the same.
Easy to say without being in the situation yourself. I appreciate your thoughts though. I just think that being presented with a blackmail situation would not lead to immediate and unconditional compliance. Most people would consider how to better their situation and get out from under blackmail in many different ways. Granted, this is a story, with a need to move the plot forward, but even an ounce (whether it mattered or not) of defiance at being blackmailed is what I would expect of a lot of people, not total compliance.
