The fuss is part of the product. People overestimate health insurance and health costs generally and assign that high value to the health insurance provided by the employer. If that was suddenly converted to a simple wage without benefits firms would likely end up paying more after it all shakes out.
Think of all the times you have heard "That job only pays $x an hour" and the reply "Yeah but the benefits".
Think of all the times you have heard "That job only pays $x an hour" and the reply "Yeah but the benefits".