re: (update pg 3)When an potential employer ask you how much you want

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He just emailed me back and said he cannot offer me more that the initial offer. He said he supposedly checked with HR and a head hunter, and that is the best they can do.I agree with what you have to say above, the benefits are slightly better and the pay is better ($50 more per week), but it is worth a move for this? I know how the old company operates, it is not like I would be going to start fresh somewhere new.

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The checked with HR bluff is the go to for managers who don't want to go to bat for more money. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've heard that from every manager I've ever negotiated with pre-employment or when asking for a raise. "Oh HR only allows up to x% increase per year" or "I'm not sure HR will approve that".

HR is a faceless boogeyman that's easy to blame. If they mention HR it means they haven't tried yet. IMHO that means you should call the bluff.(which you did and further in the negotiations so congrats)