[Mower99]

Interesting, and while I sense that you have legitimate experience and insight, I cannot help but feel this contradicts the reality that I see:

Many startups originate in the U.S. and while many fail, some either become profitable or are acquired. Why would another entity acquire if the future burden/liability you describe truly exists?

[baybal2]

> Why would another entity acquire if the future burden/liability you describe truly exists?

There are too many bankers, and lawyers with an identity conflict finding themselves in doing business.

[Mower99]

To understand you correctly, are you saying bankers&lawyers get drawn into acquiring startups? ...More about strategic interests than direct return on investment?

[baybal2]

Much of lemming tendencies than anything meaningful. Everybody seem to be doing this, guided by the crowd instincts, but those with the most money, and connections (which bankers, and lawyers are) seem to score them most at that.