in Randy's book he mentions how several labels made strong offers to Diana in 81:

Neil Bogart offered $15M to sign with Boardwalk

David Geffen offered $15M to sign with Geffen

Polygram also made a substantial offer

at RCA, Diana demanded total control yet she wasn't really equipped to handle things. and the RCA execs were too deferential to stand up to her. and eventually both sides grew to dislike one another

did these other labels have execs or producers that might have made a difference? I'm just not as familiar with each of these other labels

also where was Clive Davis at this time - was Arista ever a contender for her?