I don't really like the term 'hiring' when you're talking about someone that is barely drawing a salary and is taking a large amount of equity. In that situation, you are partnering with them.
It sounds like the guy in the article just wants to make a reasonable amount of money while hacking away at a problem. That's fine. You need to let go of the notion that every employee you have is going to be as heavily invested in your product as you are, because very few will be. If they are and they want equity, awesome. If not, they could still turn in some fantastic work for you if you're just willing to pay them a decent wage.
It sounds like the guy in the article just wants to make a reasonable amount of money while hacking away at a problem. That's fine. You need to let go of the notion that every employee you have is going to be as heavily invested in your product as you are, because very few will be. If they are and they want equity, awesome. If not, they could still turn in some fantastic work for you if you're just willing to pay them a decent wage.