[PragmaticPulp]

> When it became evident to a recruiter I didn't like the initial compensation package offered, they immediately de-prioritized me.

Sounds like the process was working as intended?

> We were so close to a deal, but my recruiter didn't want to go that extra mile. So, they made $0 since no conversion.

I think you're assuming malice or laziness where the simpler explanation is that the company simply had a firm salary range for the position.

It's more likely that the recruiter simply kept searching to find the client what they ordered: Someone who fit within their explicit compensation budget.

There is a lot of good online job seeking and negotiating advice available these days, but I'm afraid that some of it has become a little too optimistic about how easy it is to squeeze more money out of every employer under the sun. There are many times where the budget is the budget, and the upper limit really is the upper limit.