> was more of a regional bank, specifically one servicing SV, with at most sporadic branches elsewhere

Top 20 by assets and with a branch in New York. That’s a national bank.

> why did so many startups and VCs bank with them?

They were first and did what they did well. That doesn’t make them preciously unique.

> would personally be hesitant to use this terminology for others, unless they're actually doing something truly impactful and impressive, like curing some horrible disease, going to Mars, or at least actually in the military on some mission

Over a bank?