>Edit: This is all assuming that the job offer doesn't get
>taken back. I see what you're saying... his main problem seems
>to be getting screwed during the background check phase.

a) you can disclose this during the initial offer phase and explain
b)these are high salary hard to fill positions and the background check for this level of investigation costs $100 of dollars ($10k+ if for clearance)
typically companies aren't just throwing you in the bushes even if something pops up. they're going make an effort to investigate and clear anything up if you can offer an explanation

tbs, i'm taking dude at his word. just seems off but i guess that's why this is extraordinary