They were getting paid around $20K a year (ref folklore.org) at a time when that wasn't exactly munificent. I'm not even sure they had stock grants either, just promises of greatness from Steve. Idiots.

We all have our weaknesses. I'd rather have contempt for the manipulators than the manipulated.

I apologize if it came off as contempt for the manipulated. I meant it more as sadness for them. St. Steve on the other hand...

Contempt for a caricature is difficult to justify.

A. Ask any of the original Mac team if they'd have skipped the opportunity.

B. Most of them have done quite well for themselves.

Why do you think current employees don't get stock?