Very firm, especially when you go to a competitor, and definatley wehn you take a client (s).  Not trying to be a smart a@@, but think about it.  Your current firm gives you money, you do not hold up your end of the deal, and then they are goign to cut you a break??  That is why some of the transfer packages are so large, to cover these types of expenses, should you still be under contract.

it depends; how much time did you stay at your firm, how much did you produce, how was the deal structured - cash, stock?

ive seen reps settle for 30cents on the $

This is another subject that will soon become ancient history.  Banks are not going to be handing out deals like the brokerage firms have done since forever.