I think there is a fundamental disconnect between "top" people adding value and literally not being valued as high as another company. In my experience, a company that won't reward you more despite your measured contribution being valuable isn't worth a second thought. I'd go one step further, and point to the gaming industry whose primary reputation characteristic is leveraging talented people's motivation against them for executive and shareholder profit. I've also witnessed apparently "key" team members being refused a stake in the company, and that's just one more nail. If you ain't being valued accordingly, and you can't get a stake, find something else.