Sure, sure. I think the comment was meant as FTE as strong evidence of continuity. As an employer, you shouldn't rely on any one FTE employee staying indefinitely or giving you very long notice before leaving. You need to think about which employees have key knowledge, experience or skills and what it would mean for your group if they were to leave. As an employee you can't rely on the group existing indefinitely or keeping you on indefinitely. Keep your network, skills and resume in shape accordingly.
Consultants can get that if they work for a firm. I get a 401k (+match), employee healthcare plan, and bonuses, for example. The firm doesn't have any stock for the other though.
Consultants/Contractors do not.
This is why consultants/contractors have to charge higher hourly rates.