> If you look at the way YC demo day works, its a pretty reasonable way for potential investors to find startups which are compatible with their investment goals. I think it addresses the challenge of the general solicitation rule...
Sure, YC demo day addresses this problem, but there are many startups out there who will never attend YC. And because these startups still need validation and a network, this has fueled an accelerator bubble as more and more accelerators throw open their doors.
I don't believe having all these accelerators is a good thing. Many are run by folks who have very little experience, and in some cases they offer little value other than a demo day stage.
So although I'm also unsure whether this rule change is good public policy, I do hope it helps pop the accelerator bubble and forces the remaining accelerators to focus more on building value and less on playing matchmaker.