Yes, you are correct but you dont want to persevere to solve problems that are not important. From what I understand japhyr is saying that experience helps you choose these important problems from a set of all possible problems you can solve.

I didn't mention perseverance because that seems like a given for a startup to be successful. I sure wasn't claiming that domain expertise allows you to be half-hearted in your efforts.

Perseverance is necessary, but not sufficient. Perseverance and technical excellence, without domain expertise, seems like a road to failure.

YES! Tenacity is THE biggest contributor to success, along with the ability to learn the lessons failure teaches.

Domain expertise and a strong academic foundation can give you a massive edge, but alone they are not enough.