Sure, but that's my argument. They go into it thinking this, but the system changes their goals. I'm sure politicians think this too going in, and then the ones left are the ones who can play the donations game.
Startup orgs (for- or non-profit) allow you to actually start serving people now, not later, and that gives you better insight into solving problems and picking them.
Yea, I see your point. But I'd just point out that even with the attrition from people changing their goals, society may still be better off with having outliers like Buffet and Gates. People like Buffett and Gates enable others to start off in public service, and fund people that have insight into solving problems and picking them.
Startup orgs (for- or non-profit) allow you to actually start serving people now, not later, and that gives you better insight into solving problems and picking them.