I agree that an experienced coder is more cost effective. But, like I said, coding is treated as a commodity, so lay/businesspeople have a hard time accepting that. They don't understand how awful and unmaintainable a novice's code is.

I'm happy not working for that kind of meat-grinder company. If all they see when they look at me is a price tag, they clearly aren't the kind of place that can offer work that would be worth my time.

Good thought but not everyone can apply. People have family to feed, debts to clear and have little or no choice !

What makes you think I don't? But there are choices, because I live in Seattle. It'd be harder for people not living in a tech hub. Location makes far more difference in one's ability to find a job than a surplus of age/experience/salary, I think.