They expressed that they aren't trying to head hunt contractors, but given my situation, they were open to that discussion. They also very much understand the sensitivity level of offering employment to someone supporting a product they refused to continue onsite support for.

i see... but you are a professional in wat you do, so perhaps you can provide value to the company even if it's not exactly what you were supporting in the past as contractor?

i would consider the option to get the job. i mean, you still have the choice to quit later if you dont like it there (including pay, benefits, etc)... but income is #1 priority.