ecosystems like eth op and farcaster will trick you into thinking you’ve made a compelling product because there’s a “kumbaya let’s all win together mentality”. 

Use my app I’ll use yours!
Use my app and I’ll give u a boost here with my large fc following!
Use my chain I’ll use your app!

it’s negative signal and will keep you from the truth: you’re product isn’t compelling enough

I say this from a place of caring: it sounds like a skill issue.

Your experience happens anywhere where partnerships are a legit GTM.  Everyone will always blow smoke up your ass to make the partnership happen.  It’s your job as a founder to participate in the kumbayah while ensuring your product makes forward progress.  This can be really hard.

Startup artist seeking inspiration.  Champion of /bcard

Literally any effective partnership between two organizations works this way.  Both partners talk the other up, but they are trying to maximize their upside.

Apple/AT&T - AT&T was consistently last among the big 4 in the space, and Apple was a new entrant.  As soon as exclusivity ended, Apple spread iPhone to other carriers.  Meanwhile, AT&T used the deal to retool/refocus its entire organization.  Same can be said for Google/Samsung.

TBH I don't even understand your question.  An example of WHAT working out?  A savvy founder playing the meta game to get what is needed for their org without getting high on their own supply?  Feels like this is true for almost every successful founder.

do you have an example of that working out?