First of all I agree with you. Even though this whole thread was initiated from my own not-so-great situation, I'm actually glad it happened because it spurred such an interesting conversation. The comments here are incredibly insightful (yours included) and there are some real gems to be taken!
Now about your comment more specifically: I was not aware at all that this was the state of things in companies. It definitely puts things into perspective.
I am taking note of all of the other changes you suggested, most of which I agree with (although I don't really like the idea of "dumbing" down the design to be more accessible, it feels to me like watering down my own self...)
Well, I meant taking it in a more expected direction, not actually dumber. It's paradoxical that startup websites are so conservative that they must all look alike, but there ya go.
Go individual on your personal site, but remember a professional/CV site is for the benefit of the recipient so they'll buy.
Edit: It just occurred to me that this is the same idea as the sales/marketing funnel.
Now about your comment more specifically: I was not aware at all that this was the state of things in companies. It definitely puts things into perspective.
I am taking note of all of the other changes you suggested, most of which I agree with (although I don't really like the idea of "dumbing" down the design to be more accessible, it feels to me like watering down my own self...)