It's funny, an early adopter can be outdone by somebody with a lot of cash. Instant Whale. The opportunity is there for all of us.
Yes, in stake, but one has to have the capital and will available. However, here are plenty who have bought the stake but have never garnered community support. Buying in or working in are different animals. I prefer the hybrid approach, because I like participating - as well as potential future financial gain.
We have the ability to do more than we think we can do. And if we can do that, why couldn't we take it a bit further the next time?
The road to mastery -continual improvement.