Why not double? Why not ten times, or a hundred, for extra convincingness?

The fact is that it only has to be good enough for them to find the people that they want, rather than for pleasing random HN commenters.

Wut? This number is plenty convincing to me.

They also provide equity in the company. Most people dont work in startups for instantaneous salary.

This company will be hugely successful. The equity alone is convincing.