[paulddraper]

The solution in that case is to not get the irrelevant high power engine.

Or, more accurately, not to pay for the high power engine. Choose and pay for the car independent of the irrelevant factor of engine power. If the best value car (from your perspective) happens to be one with a high power engine, then you'll get that one. But you don't pay more for one, especially when your prospective market is broad (the entire world).

[hueving]

So it's simple, you won't be able to hire any developers from silicon Valley. However, with such a shortage of competent developers, companies basically can't afford to ignore more expensive markets.

Just like with the car analogy, if you need to put together a fleet of vehicles immediately, you will have to buy anything that is available, including the one with the bigger engine.

[paulddraper]

"shortage of developers"

That's self-induced due to your treatment of the market. Suppose you'll pay SV devs 170k.

Do you have any idea how easy it would be to replace those spots by offering 160k (regardless of location)? And you'll save money.

Most devs, FYI, do not live in SV area. The market for remote work is huge.