Then I say it is a too risky deal to take.

I expect a founder to normally guarantee 6 months, or 12 months or 24 months of payment before hiring someone depending on the situation at time of hire. This is the only way I would hire anybody.

Frankly I find it misplaced for a hired employee to have to worry about intricate details about company's runway and other risks etc. Its not your problem. If you are expected to own that as your problem then you might as well offer to be a founder and get proper stock.

I agree with your points entirely, but my point is, what does the word "guarantee" actually mean?

If you enter into a legally binding document with the company that says you'll be paid no matter what, that still means nothing if there's no money.

guarantee is whether the person who makes it is trustworthy or not, and knows his/her finances. I'd focus on that instead of try to judge how the company is doing to do.