[bb88]

> 1) They said they only "hire the best" (i'm certainly great, but not the best)

So really what they're doing is stroking your ego. Does it feel good? Sure. But what matters most is the pay, not your ego.

Also if they're paying in stock options + dollars in order to avoid paying market rate, then you have to treat the options as worthless at least initially -- there's a high risk they won't pay out.

Besides, if you're really the best, you should earn above market rate in dollars plus a generous options package.