> One of the recruiters sniffed, or maybe negged, and said they expected X number people under you for that role.

Ridiculous. Essentially saying the staff role is management in all but name.

> Highly effective small teams was considered small-time, not a selling point. Also not-OK was leading engineering for an early startup. Nor was a cross-company Principal role interfacing with everyone.

Hilarious they insist on holding ICs feet to the fire for hiring while letting their own culture wither away to petty little fiefdoms.