Going public is the fastest way to turn a solid, functioning business into a hideous, infinite-growth chasing ghoul that everyone hates. Don't do it.

Instead they are mostly owned by VC's, who will more directly pressure them to do that than the general public owners will.

The important part is that the Collison's control Stripe now. When that changes things may go down hill. It won't matter if it is public or not.

As opposed to VC owners, who are famously satisfied with slow growth. Right?

And VCs are what, patient angels who invest their money out of the goodness of their hearts expecting no returns?