[jbarciauskas]

I think this underestimates the degree to which even the most talented programmers are creatures of habit. Most are able to find a job that is reasonably satisfying and very secure, and so long as they make enough to buy all the Diet Coke and Subarus they need, plus some equity upside, they do not go out looking for new jobs just to increase their pay.

I also think an overwhelming majority are downright allergic to the notion of becoming a contractor. Having to sell yourself every 6 months to 2 years, with all the uncertainty in between gigs? No thanks! The proposal to quit and sell "intellectual goods" just doesn't appeal at all to people who place the value of an extra dollar far below the value of extra stability.