I don't read the statements are a contradiction. I read "to put it up against DEMO" as meaning "in the same calendar slot." If DEMO does support entrepreneurs--which it does--how does having more choice hurt? If you don't like their fee structure, then apply to TC50. Chris Shipley has been in the industry for a while and has helped a number of startups: I don't read her statements as hypocritical or believe that she is a hypocrite. If DEMO were really moribund Arrington wouldn't be able to attack it to get attention. From a YC/Hacker perspective, even if you prefer the TC50 model to DEMO, I don't believe that anyone is well served by having them collide in the same week.