Well, Libby didn't have to buy a commutation. Plus he's still on the hook for a $200K fine, unless his appeal is successful.
Clinton did all his dirty work pardoning in the dark on his last day in office. He could have done it earlier, and enjoyed eight years of praise for his "courage".
On the other hand, I'm sure the rates were confiscatory for his now-or-never pardons. The supply was going to dry up, so demand increased the going rates.
He already paid the $250K fine, and it's essentially nonrefundable. It would take an act of Congress to get it back, I think, and you know such a thing would never pass.
Certainly agree that being forced to pay the fine and lose his law license is more than enough to get him talk if he so desires. Plus the president's statement was not very kind toward him.