For one thing, Musk’s offer was thought to be very generous. He was also a lone actor who didn’t need to worry about it blowing back on him somehow if the deal fell through, as opposed to a CEO who’s actually accountable to someone.
Another billionaire could have done it, I guess, but there’s like ten guys who were rich enough and only one was Elon Musk.
Yes, I went and learned as an adult, even. I figured the world is 70% water and I really needed to have a chance in case of a surprise encounter with it.