I think it is CEO's job to keep investors hope high. A engine doesn't work like magic anyway, you are always going to customize it. Thinking TensorFlow as a engine. I don't see anything wrong with that. Anything can be boring, and CEO has to make it exciting. I have this experience with my recent project that I am in charge of, the team facing a lot of doubts and pushes because I didn't draw the picture sexy enough for management. CEO takes on the task of making sure investors are happy to keep the company going and making sure team members are happy as well. What you see is 80% of the value of your company, and the CEO sees 120%, that's the difference and it is the right thing to do.