The flat structure is probably a double edged sword when it comes to getting traction. You're ideas are less likely to be vetoed, but good like finding a champ

The flat structure is probably a double edged sword when it comes to getting traction. You're ideas are less likely to be vetoed, but good like finding a champion other than yourself. But I think that it's probably exaggerated - there are always hierarchies, but in this case no attempt has been made to define or force the structure. I think that the bigger issue is this: Valve is a platform and distribution company, not a games company. As the platform became the primary product, broad artistic creativity took a backseat. I don't see it coming back, which is a pity - The Orange Box was exquisite.