Wait, are you suggesting we do not get taxed for what we're selling? Because in the end selling a company is nothing but selling a type of goods.

Also: >Why would a person who founded a startup, and put countless unpaid hours into building it, then have to pay for the sale as if it were employee income?

Is the same as: Why would a person who created his career, and put countless of unpaid hours into building it, then have to pay for the sale of his knowledge and skill?