However, thats a US/Silicon Valley number. Europe, which is closer, will find that number too high for its local developers (as far as I know). :-)
Just sharing for sharing sake... not that it needs an answer.
Personal attacks are not allowed on HN, so please don't post like this again, and maybe lay off the tedious nitpicks as well.
Also putting down non "first world" coders before they have even been given a chance. I can see that "flagging" is obviously easier than comprehending and rectifying the unfair situation that OP is putting these people in. It is clear that he views such candidates as below him or at least that is how it comes across.
Certainly this isn't your best response to contribute to this conversation?
"It always comes down to trust - how can I make sure that if I work with you, you're going to commit code that I won't have to do a ton of cleanup on?" - This is what I have the issue with - it's generally the difficult clients who won't trust you and have a general arrogance where they believe they are generally entitled to judge before you have written a single line of code. If you are going to have this attitude, try not to get hurt feelings when someone points out your shortcomings.
So, you combat that by :
1) Be visible. Have code up on Github that I can see.
2) Offer a month to month contract. 15 day notice for termination. This gives you and the company an easy way out if things don't work out and the added bonus of not having to deal with messy tax issues across country borders.
3) Flying is only expensive if your hourly rate doesn't justify it. Honestly, if you're approaching a company with some incredibly low number, e.g. $15/hour, even if that's a decent wage for your country, as a manager, I see that as a signal of cheap, inferior labor. Increase your rate, e.g. $100/hr, so that you could fly if you had to.