I agree, there are a lot of people using the term "startup" when all they've done is push an app to the Apple appstore or whatever. And if I could wave a magic wand and change things, I'd have people stop doing that. But I'm guessing that this particular ship has sailed, and that it's going to be hard to get people to quit using the term that way.
I'm just glad that one of your conditions was "has registered a business entity for a specific project" so that I can feel good about my own startup! We haven't raised money or generated revenue yet, but the goal is absolutely build a real, profitable, world-changing company.
Registering a company is such a pain in the ass, that if you're going to do it, you're at least serious about this project existing for a while and you're willing to put the time and effort into making it official. That shows enough dedication in my opinion :)
PITA? Go to any CPA, give her $200, your LLC is done in an hour. How is that a PITA?
Although maybe it's harder in your state. Indiana's LLC law is so easy you don't even have to register who owns the LLC - just name a managing director and you're good to go.
I'm just glad that one of your conditions was "has registered a business entity for a specific project" so that I can feel good about my own startup! We haven't raised money or generated revenue yet, but the goal is absolutely build a real, profitable, world-changing company.