I don't understand why Don wrote a personal check to the Honda Corp for $3000.  I get that his creative budget was $3000, but why write them the check?  Bribery?

I thought it was because American Honda Corp gave everyone the $3000 budget to come up with proposals? Rules of the game.

Isn't that why Don, when he initially wanted to spend a lot on an expensive TV ad, said "don't you think it's worth going out of pocket?"

He was returning the money they gave SCDP for the audition.  It was part of resigning from the competition.

His aim was to bring dishonor on the Japanese...and they couldn't have that.  So he may have landed Honda.

OK, thanks guys. I didn't get that Honda had given THEM $3000.  I thought it was just their (Sterling-Cooper's) budget.  I miss stuff like that all the time... usually watch each episode at least twice!