[mrweasel]

5. is interesting, I honestly never considered your reasoning, but it makes sense. It also backfires though, I wouldn't talk to recruiter that wouldn't tells me the name of the company. There are companies that I wouldn't want to work for. They are usually the same companies that outsource recruitment, so it works out okay.

> Having a good career is more important than a dollar figure

I consider a decent salary part of a good career. If it was just about doing stuff I care about I wouldn't work at all, I could do all those things without a job. Giving at least a salary range would be expected.

[rilita]

While I agree you need to know the company before accepting; the goal of recruiters primarily is to give you some limited information and then see if you are willing to talk on the phone. A short phone call is the best most efficient way to handle recruiters. You can have a frank conversation and determine exactly how valuable they are in a short period of time.

Dragging on initial email crap does not truly handle the situation.

As stated already, I think a range is reasonable. Asking the exact number is not.