Evernote didn't get everything for free. They still pay Google with some NDA stuff in the contract (better support, better pricing model, some free stuff here and there). I wouldn't have a second doubt the CEO's past employment at Google influenced the decision. After all, he had to sign it.
You're right; they didn't get anything for free. They gave up access to their logo and the story for discounts. That's how the game is played. And there's no problem with that! Both sides win.
I just thought it was funny that they mentioned the donuts at all. Sales/solution teams bring stuff like that all the time. It's totally irrelevant, until you realize that the original article was a puff piece.
