I'd argue that those sort of investments would be better gated by knowledge than available finances. There's no reason a early employ that made <$1m in a buyout shouldn't be allowed to invest 10k in another startup. He absolutely knows what he's investing in, and it's his choice if he's willing to take that risk.

You know how people always complain about the rich getting richer? That frequently happens because they're given exclusive access to those "rip-offs" you're claiming average people should be excluded from.

We let them get payday loans and credit card debt, but when it comes to something that is generally in their best interest, we must step in and save them from themselves?