[byearthithatius]

> I'm wondering if bounty programs effectively form a low-paid gig economy for programmers.

Most certainly, or those who can't get jobs because of their record but know how to code.

[doe_eyes]

There's a lot of participation from India and other lower-income countries. Not a bad thing - it keeps a fair number of talented school-age kids gainfully employed, and it's a lot more dignified than being paid peanuts for solving captchas.