I think that the anti-Pardew protests really got to him, but he wanted a pay out. Ashley isn't bothered either way, and has played the waiting game to avoid paying him compo. This works well for
both parties.
I think Pardew is probably worried about his name being dragged through the mud again when things go wrong. He can go to Palace, either stay up in which case he is their hero or he get's relegated and nobody says it was his fault.
However still refuse to accept that this might happen.