Haye just needs to fight period. I agree with those that say he doesn't have the negotiating power he thinks he has, someone needs to tell him that. The champ calls the shots, that's the way it should be. One fight for peanuts is worth years of having the power in your corner.
As it stands now, if Haye/Valuev goes through it will be a year between fights, definately not the record of someone who is trying to climb the ranks.

I do however agree that fighting Valuev is a better move for him at this point. Although I don't know how much more bargaining power it will bring.