In Minecraft's unusual case, it was already seriously de-risked when the first few employees were hired. The additions however, did keep the momentum going, and deserve a cut for that. Jeb immediately comes to mind.
We can enter in the sympathy realm after this, but no one was entitled to anything. If they didn't like the job, or felt underpayed, they should've done what everyone else does: Try to find a comfortable solution with their company, and if that doesn't work, leave and find a better job.
That being said, it really seems clear in this case.
Compensation for work is one of the things defined at the beginning of a work relationship, comfortable for both parties. Minecraft was already big when anyone was hired, I assume that if any extra compensation besides salary was expected, it would be asked for when the work started. Disgruntlement seems a bit out of place, and seems to be used in the piece to adorn a non-story.
Plus, note that my course of action would be talking to your employer to try and find a solution that works, not just "suck it up".