But then that founder is making the decision to reveal those details. A judge has a right to ask whatever he or she wants about the business. It is on the founder to be responsible in answering it.

To preemptively answer your question, yes, I am a founder. Yes, I have pitched at video-recorded pitch sessions (though admittedly not ones as high profile as Distrupt). I have even told a judge "we are not ready to share that detail publicly, but I would be happy to share at least some of that information with you after the event".

If you can't share at least some of the basics, then don't pitch at such an event. They are not a fit for everyone, and if you are a speed play -- relying only on first mover advantage-- then they are probably not for you. I personally feel strongly that most founders are too stealthy and too cagey. We should be able to share at least the core of what we are doing because it is a good way to get feedback. The risk is that someone will come in and out-execute you. If that happens, then it was probably going to happen anyway.