[blisterpeanuts]

I agree with you, actually; you can't have your cake and eat it, too. I believe employees in every field should be looking out for themselves. Signing a non-disparagement agreement is ridiculous. The company needs you to train the replacement, so make them pay through the nose. If they just say, get out, don't let the door hit you etc. -- fine. Move on. Don't dig your own grave then lie down in it.

People need to keep their resume up to date, keep testing the market, and be ready to move on if a superior opportunity arises, or if they become aware of an H1B replacement scheme in their group. That's the only real way to stop these practices; make the employers aware that people can and will walk if not treated right.