To add my $0.02 to the discussion regarding work hours, I not only have no issue with Elon's tough demands, but I applaud it.
Things may have changed, but back in the day, it was known by pretty much everyone that there were some companies that demanded brutal hours. Top law firms (e.g., Wachtel Lipton) management consulting firms (e.g, McKinsey), investment banks (e.g., Goldman Sachs), etc. I'm sure there are others, but those come to mind. Expectations were known and communicated; there were no surprises. Those who joined knew what to expect. Those who somehow filtered through but weren't on board with the hours didn't last long. I expect it was similar at the likes of Apple, Google and Facebook in their early years.
The one key point is that jobs at these top companies in their respective fields were all in high demand by potential employees. It's a virtuous circle. Success draws hard working, high achieving employees who like to work with like-minded high achievers, who then propagate continued success, which draws more highly motivated employees.
As others have said, it's not for everyone. Most people wouldn't be happy working at Tesla. I know I wouldn't (because I'm a spoiled and lazy boomer
). I applaud Elon for running a tight ship. It's this attention and focus that allowed Tesla to break through their Model 3 manufacturing hell and near bankruptcy.
It's clear to me that some amount of entropy had set in.
My guess is Elon has not been fully engaged (due to X, SpaceX, etc.), but now he is back. He sees issues that need to be addressed. He is cleaning house, getting rid of those who are not on the same page as him, getting more hands-on (letting go of senior management is a sure sign of this) and setting expectations for current as well as new employees. Elon in manic mode bodes well for Tesla and TSLA.