Put it into context of Messi's last realease clause, 700 million euros...
Pedri himself already had a release clause over 300m Euros anyhow, is there any need to take it to a billion? What football club realistically would be able to spend over £300m or Euros now on one player, a release clause of 500m euros in plentiful.
But again, why does it matter or why are you finding it ridiculous?
We used to have 100m release clauses for players worth 30m about 10 or so years ago
Prices have been increasing (and showing no signs of slowing down)
This is a sign of future proofing and ensuring you have control of selling the player
It also gives the club a margin of bargaining when selling the player, if they ever do
Who knows what 500m will be worth in football in 3 years time.
I think it's bizarre this a point you wanna make or argue about?
If a club can't spend more than 300m then whether they put 500m or a 1bn really doesn't matter. It's just a number then.
But why take a chance?
I dunno, maybe it's just me finding it weird that this is a point of contention for you?