[user5994461]

They don't compete. Good developers who can get a job at the big 4 get a job at the big 4.

Small companies get people who couldn't go to Google or who are ignorant about compensation and perks.

Eventually, people grow up and learn, then they flee to the big 4 if they can.

[pcwalton]

Oh, come on. This kind of silly overgeneralization is more than a little bit insulting to me, my coworkers, and a heck of a lot of other people.

I could have gone to the "big four" a long time ago, and I turned them down. I've never regretted my decision. I've done incredibly fulfilling work here and couldn't imagine working with a more talented group.