No. It's just hard to believe all people don't get more tired as the day goes on. In fact, eventually, as the day goes on we all get so tired we eventually fall asleep (all of us).
So the nuance is what's your tipping point where you are performing worse due to fatigue.
This is definitely a factor. Its never been easier to do web design with many excellent tools. Similar thing has happened in game development (i.e. unity, et.al) - technology is bringing the expertise required lower.
The 7% really is not relevant. Getting useful people (for many contextual definitions of 'useful') to care about your success could be a direct reason for your success.
That's really the model of YC overall - the money is just "don't die before you start because of something so simple as money"
It's rude for sure, but from what I've seen (And I don't necessarily agree), the company feels there's no upside. The relationship is already in a negative space and it's unlikely an explanation will make things better.
This situation is horrifying. And if we're thinking of costs - those have only begun. I shudder to think the longterm health effects this will have for years to come.
In all seriousness - haven't they, at some level - always done this? Even in the sense that VCs will take a stance such that "we only invest in mobile".
So the nuance is what's your tipping point where you are performing worse due to fatigue.