[PaulJoslin]

I would value the overall 'y combinator' experience and expertise as a higher benefit than just the money in the program.

Even if I had an idea which I could self fund, I would still consider applying to Y Combinator, as the experience and networking you would receive would definitely benefit a project greatly.

The only thing that gets on my wick a bit about Kick-starter is that the funders essentially get nothing (other than see the product get created). I.E. This product could go on to be valued at millions and you're initial $1000 contribution to the seed funding would be unrewarded.

[steveklabnik]

Absolutely. My startup went through AlphaLab, and the connections and mentoring was worth quite a bit more than the money, BUT the money did let me quit my job. Which is invaluable in and of itself.