I think it depends on the severity of the problem. If the problem is minor, an email should suffice. If the problem is of medium severity, a phone call or a conference call should be yield results. If the problem is very severe, it would seem best to gather everyone for a meeting in order to brainstorm.
I totally agree with you. I consider myself a geek but I hardly know anything about programming. I understand networking concepts and I live and breathe technology but I am not a hacker. I am learning, but it is hard. I applied for Winter 08 funding because I think I have a great idea with great potential. Hopefully YC looks beyond my partner and I not being able to code and takes our other strengths into account.
Yeah my partner and I arent't very experienced programmers, but (like everyone with an idea) we think our idea is awesome. We are looking to partner with a third party on the programming side.
I'm glad im not married, have no kids, and can manage to survive on the minimum if I must. That said, a lot of people out there aren't so lucky, but ultimately it comes down to what you really want. If you want to continue working for a useless paycheck while the job requirements go up, then dont apply. If you would like to risk it all for the slim possibility that your idea/product might succeed, then by all means go for it. YC here I come!