They won't routinely deviate from prescribed bands for your typical engineer. There are many, many engineers who are atypical, whether because of skill set or skill level; before I went into consulting I was able to command top-of-market salaries because I am pretty good--not the best, but pretty good--and actively went into areas of technology that others didn't. I was then able to communicate to potential employers why this mattered and how I would be able to help them, because I have enough of a business background to be able to make the case for myself. And while whatever "talent" is involved may be innate--I don't think it is, but whatever--the rest is eminently learnable.

And calling me "anonymous" is kind of funny.

If you see him as anonymous, you are definitely not trying very hard. Or at all.

I'll be seeing you at the next Anonymous Anonymous meeting, right, Anonymous?

You know it, A.