you could probably get an audience with whoever you want if you asked for it.
Maybe, but I'd need to know who to ask. Being not part of the YC community, I don't know who is doing interesting things; nor do I know who to ask if I have a question about something.
Everyone on this board knows who you are, and you could probably get an audience with whoever you want if you asked for it.
Your personal brand and network is probably way stronger than you give it credit for.