I'd be burned out too if my job was to simply observe startups. It's really not all that interesting to just watch (especially in real time). Instead of leaving he should consider taking a job in one of the best startups he can find.
He's a reporter covering a war from afar. Time to pick up a rifle and get in the shit.
While the views of people who are in the proverbial trenches (or have been in the past) are interesting they are not a substitute for journalistic coverage.
Whether or not you would be your choice to act rather than observe isn't important. It is important that the industry is covered by journalists.
He's a reporter covering a war from afar. Time to pick up a rifle and get in the shit.