I almost remove from the equation traction altogether at this stage.
Takeaways from YC’s Demo Day Pitches — from an alumnus turned investor
Stefano Bernardi
1827

Do you mean by this that you remove the idea that “growth hacking” or scoring large numbers of customers is not as important as having a solid customer base that actually pays? I think there is a subtle difference, and wonder if that is what you are getting at, too.