Yeah, I definitely agree. I'd rather pay a premium to get the best employee and take a discount myself, rather than pay someone below market while paying myself some absurd salary. Frankly I don't care what I pay myself as long as I can afford an apartment and groceries, and so far this has worked out well, as I love the employees we have. If I were exfiltrating a bunch of money for my own salary we would have been out of business months ago.
As a spectator to your conversation, I have to say I like and agree with your general philosophy. While I can't quite put a finger on what I like, I think the gist is operating under assumption of how the world, finances, and incentives SHOULD work, as opposed to how they currently work. And also maybe some dose of minimalism(?). Either way, I wish you all the best in building your startup!
