Pride in their skill has nothing to do with staying at a company. They can take pride in their skill as a smith elsewhere too. Even better at their hobby projects.

Pride in the end product might, but most companies make nothing to be proud about, except the skill itself.

So, let's be real, they are at the company to make money, and if they have a better chance, they'll take it. Lack of those, good enough salary already, inertia, and "the devil you know" is closer to the reason they stay.

Reflecting, I think people who take pride in their skill do like to work with others who feel the same way. So that could be a factor for why here for $X instead of there for $X

> They can take pride in their skill as a smith elsewhere too.

I can take pride in my skill anywhere I want. What I care about is that my employer takes pride in my skill.

Even if another pays more, I’d prefer working for someone that appreciates my skill (and shows that in ways not necessarily salary based).

Of course there’s a limit to this, but it’s generally true.