Meh, I bet the same people complaining that he shouldn't have asked for money are the same people that would be offering someone money for helping them.
Absolutely I'd offer. It goes like this...
Me: Thanks a lot man, you saved me a ton of hassle. Here, let me give you some money.
Him: Nah, don't worry about it, it only took a couple minutes, and being stuck sucks.
Me: Are you sure? It really helped a lot.
Him: I'm sure. Have a good one...