The problem is when others take advantage of the highly skilled technical staff. We work at startups because of all the reasons you listed KNOWING FULL WELL that it may fold, or it may not net us that big payout. But if that pay day does come along, why is it OK for others to benefit from it at the expense of those who have spent that sweat equity?

You argue for the value of passion, but you're also inadvertently siding with people who have done nothing to contribute to the product aside from spreading risk by investing in it.