[nightski]

Who said anything about consulting on the side? You invented this. I merely said that coming up with 20k was pretty trivial as a developer, often can be done in a few months (which the YC application process probably would take longer tbh).

[erichocean]

The value of Y Combinator IMO is entirely in social signaling, not the meager $$$ they give you.

[vinceguidry]

Well, you also learn a lot. Being in SF around other people who work with startups every single day, a lot is going to rub off.