It feels a little dirty, but the idea of tackling a problem vetted by YC and closely watching to learn from their problems is fascinating.
For example, after Fflick got bought by Google early this year, they closed their site up. But they clearly had decent traction, users and press interest. And if it's a straight-up talent acquisition, that's a reliable signal the opportunities in that field of technology are substantial.
Doesn't it make sense to have another startup (a re-startup?) steal the ball and kick it down the field when it comes to something like Fflick?
There are abandoned users who you can court right away. They've already paved the roads as far as publicity and how to sell the idea. And it's not like the game is over once Google buys a company. Finally, if Google turns this technology into a hit product, you know their competitors are going to be envious.
It made me uneasy to say but couldn't find much fault with this line of thinking.
Edit: anyone ever see the movie Robots? "See a need... fill a need."