I agree with your premise that one does not need to try something to know it is not for them. However, you are making an apples and oranges comparison here. Y

I agree with your premise that one does not need to try something to know it is not for them. However, you are making an apples and oranges comparison here. You don't apply to the military. You volunteer for service, and it is compulsory from there on out. You can't apply to take drugs, the act is self contained. I am speaking to those people who have a desire or interest in applying to YC, but don't because they assume they don't fit the model. If you have an interest, apply, and find out definitively. If you don't have an interest, don't (much like your military example)