This is a very interesting idea. I think this is "becoming more true" rather than "true." Part of the reason why I think this will never completely be the case

This is a very interesting idea. I think this is "becoming more true" rather than "true." Part of the reason why I think this will never completely be the case is that starting a company involves getting lots of people to do "stuff" and there isn't just one method to do so. Being a masterful manipulator of others, right or wrong, has worked many times in the past and I doubt will ever stop working by its very nature. (Now, being an average manipulator just won't cut it...) The bar will be continually raised as long as good people continue to start companies. Hopefully this new culture doesn't fizzle out after the next funding crunch, whenever it may occur.