Maybe I am just jealous since I am over 30 and have not yet succeeded in a startup, but I think it is lack of commitments that allows younger people to be more inventive. If your mind is occupied with IRAs and Cars and Kids ... etc, you never have enough time to get immersed in the process of solving problems.
Rich, I like your point. I find that I do a lot of my best work when I can allow at least several days to a project, then my mind is saturated with the problem and requires smaller amounts of energy to get something done. I don't this this happening if you have a family or other huge responsibilities.
