Even if you hire an accountant, it's what, $1000?

This reminds me of the argument (always given by people in HCoL areas) that it's not bad to earn less in LCoL areas because you might get paid 50% less, but also rent is 50% less. Forgetting that most other expenses are the same, and even if all living expenses were 50% less, that's only equal if 100% of your income goes towards expenses.

Salaries in tech in the US are so far off the rest of the world that a few more expenses really don't matter.

My American boss says he does taxes for himself and parent and it's no biggie.

For most people it will take ~4 hours to do on their own with free software.

Yes. I file by hand every year using Free Fillable Forms.

Am I saying it's a good system? No. Would I ever factor it into compensation when moving abroad? Also no.

If you have a regular job and maybe simple investments like a retirement account or stocks, can follow written directions, and use a calculator, it's really not that hard to do your taxes by hand.