Jeez Louise, another lawyer type out geocaching? I'm a law student at Maine Law, and the last thing I need it to run into a future colleague while knee high in mud.
Ethical dilemma on taking the cash? C'mon, just leave a note in there for Gob-ler to return and sign that would constitute informed consent. You know that, counseler. :-)
I'd just consider the work pro bono, personally, and leave it. Happy caching! Heather