It appears as though they weren't in demand. The demand is for good programmers (school isn't relevant). These weren't 'good' programmers for a number of reasons.
1. They didn't have a degree. Technically, they weren't MIT programmers at the time.
2. They didn't have 10+ years of experience with Java. Good programmers are often confused with experienced programmers.
I still think my point still stands though, go find out where your supply (start up opportunity, applying new technology to niche community) is disproportionately in demand.
I find it hard to believe that CS grads (or soon to be grads) from MIT would have a hard time finding a job because they don't have 10 years of Java experience.
These people always had the option of graduating and finding another job. Instead, they chose to work for this startup (and dropout I suppose). I don't think they 'settled' for Siteadvisor because of lack of job opportunity.
1. They didn't have a degree. Technically, they weren't MIT programmers at the time.
2. They didn't have 10+ years of experience with Java. Good programmers are often confused with experienced programmers.
I still think my point still stands though, go find out where your supply (start up opportunity, applying new technology to niche community) is disproportionately in demand.