Earlier quoted context omitted.
Paradoxically, I don't think Mixergy is most useful to the broke failing startup. Failing startups at that stage tend to be time-rich and cash-poor (I know, I've been there!). If that's where you are, I don't think Mixergy Premium is right for you. As for me, right now I am cash-rich (well, relatively) and time-poor. I barely find the time to do any of the important stuff. You know, like figuring out how to get leads…
So here's the thing: most startups fail. Failures are the norm in the startup life, sometimes by a ratio of 19-1. Aside from the cash-rich/cash-poor discussion, which has some merit, the problem is that harvesting useful information from startups is tough because there's a vast amount of selection bias going on. Everybody who succeeds believes that the things they did helped them succeed. This would seem obvious. But…
As I said: Sitting through a bunch of videos that teach you about stuff you can't really apply is a waste of your time and your $25/m. Sitting through a video that teaches you, in a concise manner, something you can use right now in your business is priceless.
You say: I'm still left looking at an industry that makes people feel as if they're well underway to internet riches or whatever instead of actually sending them there
I couldn't agree more. If you're thinking of watching/listening to Mixergy just to "get on your path to riches", then that's a terrible reason to do it. Much like watching Peepcode screencasts "to learn about programming" without actually having any programming you want to do.
On the other hand, if you're looking to learn something specific, a mixergy masterclass is a great way to do that.
As for the criticism of sample size, most of the interviews are not presented as holy truths, but just as "this is what happened to me" report. If you read some absolute truth in them, that's your fault, really, since the interviewees are generally humble enough not to claim that their experience is universal. Consider the Mixergy podcast as a place where you can expand your sample size somewhat.
And finally, re: leads, ask me again in 2-4 months - that's how long leads usually take to convert in this industry... Some of them, though, are qualified leads - I can tell that already - and the discussions are going well with them, so at the moment I'm hopeful. That being said, I think I've been around the startup advice block enough to be able to tell useful actionable information from hogwash - so I don't think I'm just fooling myself by believing I've learned something when I haven't.
Edit: talking of being time-poor, time for bed!