Will, I'm glad you wrote this. I'm sure it'll help some people who were unnecessarily discourage by a YC rejection.

Slightly OT: This post could really benefit from some editing (re clarity, overall length, succinctness). I like to think a lack of editing is why some people think they "can't write". They don't realize how much editing helps, even if they do it themselves.

Next time you write something, ask a few friends to review it, especially if you intend to channel PG ;). I'd be happy to help, too (I'm by no means an expert, though. I'm not even a native speaker)