"ripped off" is somewhat accusing them of stealing something from YC or taking away from them. "something original". YC started a trend,and you can bet there wi

"ripped off" is somewhat accusing them of stealing something from YC or taking away from them. "something original". YC started a trend,and you can bet there will only be plenty more incubators with a similar formula. They don't need to be original. They just have to follow the leader. YC can keep being great at recruiting talented hackers and hopefully become the "Ivy League" of incubators.