There's an additional component other than filtering that YC serves: it provides a pool of talent and experience that helps you out of jams, but without somethi

There's an additional component other than filtering that YC serves: it provides a pool of talent and experience that helps you out of jams, but without something like 'formal instruction'. The best features of a finishing school and guild (apprentice/journeyman/master) are represented. A community -- not so specialized as a technical or vocational school, but people who are likely to have common drives and purposes, and whose cross-disciplinary skills enhance the whole environment. Maybe a question that needs answering, either by pg or by YC veterans (graduates?) is what additional purpose doesn't YC serve that it needs to?