I have a friend who works for a bank, and I needed some help with a complex SQL query. Instead of paying in stock, I just said "Here's so-and-so per hour" and it took 2 hours, and I paid him, then did the same a couple of weeks later.

Another guy did me an Installshield script on Elance.

I paid a lawyer for a non-disclosure agreement.

The lesson for me is, paying in stock is just like an urban legend, and actually, if you've got the lion's share of development done yourself, the edge cases can be got rid of cheaply for little more than the rent.

Also, if you haven't got friends who want to partner in a company, don't let it stop you developing a product.