You say this but but VCs are still quite limited in their control until about series C. Literally all the founders I know who have raised over $1m have pretty good lifestyles (house, car, frequent travel). It's worlds apart from the bootstrappers I know who remain frugal despite being profitable
Running a business is always hard and will always be hard, since it's a competitive activity against other humans who are also clever, hard-working and ambitious. Non-hardworking founders need an incredible niche or they will eventually be driven out by competitors who are just as smart but work harder.