Again, this is not about what time you start to work, it's what time your boss tell you you have to be there.
All a manager needs to ensure is that you're doing your job, and that you aren't a burden on other people. Especially when half of your team may be around the world, it would seem that companies have already written off the importance of what time of day people are available.
Getting to work a little later helps me to avoid the morning commute and allows me to sleep later.
However, I find that you generally have to "prove" yourself at a workplace first.
Over time, my schedule evolved into something that works for both parties. For example, managers start to realize that I come in late so won't schedule early meetings or interviews.
In general, if all they are interested in is a 9-5 bench warmer, then that may not be the best environment to work in either.
It was too small of a deal to mention to him but it definitely was something that made a bad early impression.
My boss usually comes in at 4am - it's kinda hard to come in really late (he wouldn't care if we turned up at 12 so long as work gets done) when you know he's been there 5 hours already :) It's the best motivational tool ever.
I find that personal responsibility is a great way to run a company, I don't know how our employees experienced it though.
When I had my start-up, I generally expected employees to be in by 8:30, but was always happy to offer shifted hours, if someone asked.