[eesmith]

I friend of mine retired, but decided to do some consulting on the side.

Even though he didn't need the money, he charged his normal rate, because he didn't want to depress the market.

If the friends of your parents are willing to work for birdseed because they don't need the money, then it drives down the salary for those who need a job.

[bestouff]

"Didn't want to depress the market seems deeply un-American. They have that religious belief in the market magic hand that auto-regulates everything whatever you do. Me first, the market will solve it.

[eesmith]

He's British. English to be precise. So yes, un-American.

[blitzar]

I have done some fine work for people for free and some average work for people for expensive fees.

People value the work by how much they paid for it.