An interesting twist on Whale Hunting is shown by A Smart Bear (http://blog.asmartbear.com/how-to-get-customers-who-love-you...) where having a passionate manager in that company DID work really well.

I think it's ironic that some people go into startups because the oppressive weight and slow movements of big business, and then go straight back to chasing those customers. Surely it's better to start chasing smaller, more mobile teams who likely have more vocal staff, more buying power and less reliance on bullying.