If you are going to run a big company, far, far worse things will come your way than a YC rejection. Try again. And again. And again.
Giving up too early is one of the biggest causes of failure I know.
In terms of the two models--it really depends on your company and market, and what you want to do.
What's the difference between being persistent and wasting time? I'm curious as to where you draw the line.
Thanks to having read that book before I started my startup, that startup has now become two thriving companies in a highly challenging market, and I've figured out some methods of overcoming major personal challenges, that could turn out to be hugely valuable to many other people, once I'm ready share them.
I'm still working through my own dip, but had I not read that book I'd have quit very early on and would likely be living a pretty mundane existence.
It's a short book, but an invaluable one.