Thanks for the response. I want to clarify that my quest isn't to run anyone through the gauntlet. To quote myself: A scarier but more tractable solution is

Thanks for the response. I want to clarify that my quest isn't to run anyone through the gauntlet. To quote myself: A scarier but more tractable solution is educating and arming first-time founders with the lessons and toughness they need to succeed against the tremendous odds facing them in this territory. It demands a brutal honesty that risks discouraging young recruits, but this is how the best of the best operate. As a founder born and raised in South Florida that’s had some measure of success (insofar as survival is a major component), this is my plan. To tell people of the dangers in no uncertain terms, to take a chainsaw to their ideas, and to inspire them to find ways to collect money from customers first, so they can collect it from opportunistic investors second, and on their terms. I realize that this is mostly about teaching (and not acts of kindness, money or otherwise), but I do believe that it fits under your suggestion to "mentor and give guidance". It definitely isn't about just getting them to "realize some sort of truth." On the contrary, I welcome engagement in a very practical way. Hope that makes it a little more clear.