"I think you're screwed" is a pointless post. Granted, he's in a rough position, but he's not screwed. First, he has a job, whether it will be good or not. He has the option to search for another job. He has the option not to take that job on principle and find another job, which I'm sure he can do since he got this one. It'll just take more work. Your post doesn't answer his question in any way, and serves only to make him feel worse about his situation. Don't bother posting if it will just make somebody miserable.
As for an answer to the post (not that I've been in this position), I would probably end up fighting with them by approaching the person who made the offer originally. He'll either go to bat for you or he won't. If he doesn't, I'd start hunting for another job immediately. If he does help you out, it might be worth giving the job a try, even if temporarily. Just because HR sucks doesn't mean the job sucks or the people suck. It all depends on what your impending boss does to help you out.
