This whole thread seems ridiculous... where has hacker news drifted?
It’s pretty simple. If programmers are easier for companies to find then pay would drop. If restrictions are applied making programmers more difficult to find such as limiting entry into the field like limiting H1B visas or requiring programmers to jump through the hoops of becoming a “licensed” programmer then pay would go up or stay the same. Nobody really cares how much “effort” is required to do your job.