[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.