the only scheme i've seen in post ipo equity (rsu-s) is that you are given a cash amount that is converted to shares at current price, then the shares vest over

the only scheme i've seen in post ipo equity (rsu-s) is that you are given a cash amount that is converted to shares at current price, then the shares vest over time. If the shares go up you get more cash. Assuming an average company (ie tracking the total market) and an average return this is going to be better than cash.