True, but it's normal in many professions that lots of people working in it are not passionate and industry just deals with it. We can't expect that average software developer is going to be passionate and spending their weekends honing every-increasing set of skills: technologies, platforms, tools, etc.

Can’t we?

The entire startup ecosystem is based on extracting from the economy people who are motivated, do their work efficiently and learn high skills, and giving them millionaire-or-bankrupt stakes to ensure they’re committed.

The expected value from start-up shares is so low, you're bit of idiot if you're degrading your life for it.

Actual founder? Sure. Early employees get a raw deal. Honestly it better if you earn the most from salary, and invest the extra cash in startups. You'll get more equity.

So can't we just give those well metrics to get under. Or tell them that make it feel "snappy". And not accept the result until it feels good enough.

They are paid to do a job. Just have to specify what that job is in a correct way.