Actually, it generally is how the world keeps score. Unconventional companies like 37signals might not brag about growing headcount or offices, but the reason people take them seriously is because they're lucrative.
You're seriously taking the position that making money is the sole measure of business success? Legality, morality, etc. are irrelevant? Good for you, I guess.
I'm sorry that you have such a cynical view of the world. Fortunately, many people (including people who make decisions about laws and regulations) disagree with you.
1. Remember Enron? Lehman? Arthur Andersen? WorldCom? Parmalat? Countrywide? I could go on. I suppose the rule is "you're an amazing entrepreneur (unless you get caught)"?
2. It's you and me who pay the price when these companies collapse.
