> In a statement to TechCrunch, a YC spokesperson attributed the drop to shift back to in-person events by the storied venture accelerator firm that necessitates founders to relocate to the U.S. for a quarter of a year.

YC could go back to a more remote model. To not do so is a choice.

I agree, and also think they could/should consider having hubs in places with more progressive immigration policies for entrepreneurship (like a UAE for instance would likely be accommodating of participants of any nationality, as well as provide an optimal default environment for many companies to incorporate/have a legal domicile/hq).