Responding to myself based on comments elsewhere. I've worked in enterprise storage, supercomputing, etc. In some of those markets it is indeed essential to h

Responding to myself based on comments elsewhere. I've worked in enterprise storage, supercomputing, etc. In some of those markets it is indeed essential to have at least one big fish as a prospect, but that should as much as possible remain a sales-side phenomenon. Impact on engineering should be minimal. When it affects engineering too much, as another commenter said, you're no longer a product company. You've become a consultancy. If that fits with your business or exit plans, great. Enjoy your reward to the fullest. However, most of the time, you'd be betraying and failing people who wanted to join a product-oriented company and make a bigger difference.