Smaller teams will always win the communication overhead comparison even without thinking about organizational trees and therefore indirections too much. Communication is one of the biggest problems in organizations and the society, so more direct and therefore clearer communication can make the organization more efficient and keep the spirits high. It also doesn't hurt to have a team made only of extremely senior engineers or other professionals in their field. Even better, if those engineers are great personalities too. There is only one culprit: you have to have a very capable driver to put this powerful engine to good use so to say. If you drive the powerful engine in the wrong direction, you are actually putting more, not less distance between the destination and your current position. It seems, the goal for Oxide Computer is clear and I wholeheartedly wish you the best of luck.