I also think it would lead to more innovation. How many engineers aren't working on their own ideas because the insane salaries at big tech would be stupid to give up? I don't blame someone on 200-500k a year for just sitting tight and soaking up the dollars. 500k a year is as much or more than a successful small business owner, and you don't have to take on any of the risk.
> I just feel like the worlds software talent could do better work in more interesting and varied fields.
Agreed, but I'm not sure how these measures will do anything to provide more interesting work. It would probably just be more of the same, but more different companies doing it.
We have our fair share of 30 something's on here already eyeing their exit. Nice mountain home, fun side projects, and perhaps some consulting here or there.
There are always unintended consequences, but it seems like it would be good in that if there are more upstarts there should also be more jobs for software engineers. The pay may (probably) won't be like what it is in FAANG companies, but not everyone can work for a FAANG company.