I have read that Freddie contracted with one of Gingrich's companies for 200 grand a year, and that that was a standard fee for that group.
Also, like many others in demand, Gingrich commanded 60 grand for a speech at an event.
The consulting had to be consulting because Gingrich has been out of power for over a dozen years. Think about that: he has ZERO power. He also has a GOP that is hostile to him, and those who fought against him (including Boehner) are the ones in power.
So, he wasn't "influence peddling" because he had no influence to peddle.
He had knowledge, experience, insight and ideas to sell. That's called consulting
If he had no influence, why was he paid 1.6 million over a number of years?