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You do have to keep in mind what the Samwer brothers are doing is executing a fairly well known business strategy, taught in all introductory management courses. They are essentially letting others (Pinterest in this case) find the product-market-fit, then they launch their own version in other respective markets. Say what you want, but don't blame them, thank the education system.

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Oh, I know that it is taught. I am also very aware of the strategy myself. I fully understand how I might start to go about ripping off an AirBnb or other startup. In fact, I would theorize I might be good at it. But despite it being something could turn a profit or that might even be easy (for me or the Samwer brothers) doesn't mean I am going to go off an do it. As my other reply says as well, it's about the principle of the matter. I don't value imitated or copied work, even if it means not doing it nets me less profit.

From an economic standpoint, this is probably irrational. For me, though, purely from an ethics and moral standpoint, I find it repulsive. Go off, be innovative, do something original. That's my internal compass, I guess.

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