The point is there are no simple hard and fast rules. If you made 500k last year and do a start-up that only pays you 200k your taking a bigger pay cut than a 20 something that's paying themselves nothing. Some people have alimony payments that hit 100k.
Don't forget it's not just the clueless, neurosurgeons and CEO's also do start-ups.
It's not about supporting a lifestyle it's about having a CEO willing to keep working there. Finding a competent replacement for significantly under 200k is unlikely. Sure, they might take stock but that's not 'free'.
Don't forget it's not just the clueless, neurosurgeons and CEO's also do start-ups.