Dean Jones says:

"Perhaps we should split the difference.  The midpoint between 77 and 81 is 79.  Will a salary at the 79th percentile be acceptable to you?"

How will you respond?

1.  "I accept your very generous offer."

2.  "As I understand it, you have just offered me a salary at the 79th   percentile.  Are you saying that you are prepared to concede up to the 79th percentile?

3.  "I'm sorry.  If you can concede to the 79th percentile, then you can concede the 81st percentile.  After all, we are talking about only two percentile points!"