What was the task they were asked to perform? For most work a contract under 1k isn't going to get you an extremely high quality developer. In finding, planing, negotiating, and implementing a project you accrue a lot of billable overhead time.

If you assume it takes....

   - 1hr to apply, negotiate, and accept job
   - 1hr to do job
   - 1hr to submit and aid in support & integration of code 

Then at $200 you're making $66/hr. I'd classify myself as an average developer and most contract work people spam me me with on LinkedIn is in the $150/hr + benefits range.

I wonder what kind of quality they'd get with a larger project priced at that range. Something with 15hr of work @ $150 might bring in higher quality freelancers that are closer to the industry average.