Well first, that's an extremely elitist point of view. Your argument seems to be 'If you're not a rock-em sock-em networking people-person, you don't deserve a job'.
Secondly, this is about helping YC companies hire. Doing the hard, complex work of filtering out for quality candidates, rather than spending weeks of your time interviewing instead of actually improving their product.
Thirdly, not all engineers are battle-hardened 10x SV rockstar ninjas. Some people have programming experience but haven't gotten into the SV echo chamber yet, some people are new to the industry, some people are from other countries, etc. Sure, you ideally want to build yourself up and make a name for yourself, contribute to projects, create some value, but when you're starting out that's basically a load of bullshit as far as useful advice goes, unless you're suggesting people just don't take a job until they've spent a few years self-promoting.
>'If you're not a rock-em sock-em networking people-person, you don't deserve a job'
Writing a direct email to a YC Founder vs relying on someone else is far from a "rock-em sock-em neworking people-person". That's basic self-advocacy.
This company takes 25% of your first years salary. Regardless of whether the engineer or the company pays for it, it's less money on the table for you.
YC Combinator companies are well known. If you want to work for one, write them directly. Ask for what you want. Advocate for yourself.
You've probably worked very hard to get where you're at, whether it's your schooling or a long, hard fought career. Don't let someone else represent your accomplishments or your compensation needs.
Secondly, this is about helping YC companies hire. Doing the hard, complex work of filtering out for quality candidates, rather than spending weeks of your time interviewing instead of actually improving their product.
Thirdly, not all engineers are battle-hardened 10x SV rockstar ninjas. Some people have programming experience but haven't gotten into the SV echo chamber yet, some people are new to the industry, some people are from other countries, etc. Sure, you ideally want to build yourself up and make a name for yourself, contribute to projects, create some value, but when you're starting out that's basically a load of bullshit as far as useful advice goes, unless you're suggesting people just don't take a job until they've spent a few years self-promoting.