In my case I have money from a previous successful startup, will be moving to the US, and put a premium on local knowledge and the right introductions - for me

In my case I have money from a previous successful startup, will be moving to the US, and put a premium on local knowledge and the right introductions - for me and others in the same position there is little value in taking small amounts of cash, but the value of everything else YC offers could be quite significant. Surrendering a percentage of your company for a higher value return is quite reasonable.