I was thinking YC is for what you just explained in second paragraph. I do remember the SV scene where guy says "i can not guide you unless you give me something to guide" May be this startup world is a big lie!

YC sells itself as an accelerator, not as a lottery.

One of the big changes that have happened over the last few years is that the resources you need to start a tech business is much reduced to the point that one skilled person with relatively modest savings can start and build a serious business. Get on with acquiring the skills and resources you need to start without needing outside investors.

I do wish application reflects being accelerator by filtering people in the beginning who needs incubation. I wish there is a quick and easy way of bootstrapping the network and connections for a successful exit.

One thing I can tell you as builder of a successful bootstrapped business is it is not easy, but it is very rewarding.

YC is a business with the aim of making money. Only certain types of businesses and founders are of interest to them and if you don’t fit then you are best to stay well away.

Would love to hear more about your experience and what was the top 3 do and dont that you can share

Have a read of this post on my blog

http://www.tillett.info/2015/06/24/why-i-kept-my-startup-in-...