[dpweb]

How about when so-so dev makes 50% more than rock star dev! It's real.

Why? The underperformer w/high-salary was brought in by some idiot manager x years ago - that manager has since lost their job - but this ok performer still pretty good and still in their job.

Have had rock stars contact the company - willing to work for 50% under market and we'd be crazy not to put them on. Without even having an open position at the time.

It is ALL negotiation. Don't assume there is solid logic and "fair" salaries.

[eitally]

A lot of times in situations like this there's eventually pressure from above to manage such people out ... for obvious reasons.