The idea of a board of directors is one that actually has to be defended on first principles.

What is the actual value add of a “board of directors” except to basically be weak willed PMC/non founder-type people with a lot to lose reputationally and financially who can be cowed and/or blackmailed very easily.

The typical person on the board of a public company would fold to pressure as soon as they saw a NY Times reporter called their phone.

I'm not sure if you're being facetious. The board of directors role is to look after the shareholders' interests. A good board is exactly that - the representatives of the shareholders.