[jkimmel]

>What's the benefit of being able to say you're a YC founder?

Being able to attach the YC brand to your resume is probably very helpful when seeking investment for a new venture or applying for a job at a BigCo.

Although I have no knowledge of the situation beyond this (very well written) post, I don't think it's farfetched that a couple developers would join an existing company just to experience YC and improve their Valley credentials.

[jacquesm]

I can see some truth in that if you follow through. Bailing from something with high visibility will hurt your reputation rather than hinder. I assume that the prospective partners of these two people would be able to use google to find out just how substantial their YC foundership was.

[jqm]

Indeed. Being instrumental in loosing money for people by not following through on commitments is hardly a good rep nor resume line.