> So I seriously doubt they block companies from doing extended exercise windows.

You're right that they don't veto companies from doing extended exercise windows.

That doesn't mean they don't oppose them and argue against them. This post makes their viewpoint quite clear, and it means that any founder wanting to do right by employees will have to argue strongly for that position.

Even beyond the specific issue, the tone of this article makes it very clear that they are not employee-friendly.

Contrast that with Sam and YC, who indicate both through the policies and their tone that they recognize that employees also make sacrifices to join companies and invest in their success even if they don't stay through IPO.