> Associates can only say 'no' and generally have limited deal experience and just may not understand your market

Interesting!

That's in direct conflict with my (limited, European) experience. Usually you don't get to speak to a partner until you've passed muster with one of the associates, they act as gatekeepers to make sure the partners spend their time on those things that they feel are worth it.

I agree with all your other points, the NDAs are not a common thing in start-ups, but at a later stage they are definitely important.