i think this is a case of reading too much into something in search for "lessons". investors are right to be looking for the things they look for, because HP is an exceptional exception. tens of thousands of smart guys that "just wanted to work together" didn't get far.
At the same time though, you get several bright people who work together really well and suddenly there is no need to stick to one "great idea". Business plans change all the time. What matters most is the ability of that team to adapt to the changes around them.
