I don't work in Silicon Valley, nor pure tech, but in many industries, the quickest way to climb titles and pay is to move to a new firm. Plus you can avoid the friction of asking for a better title or pay as your current firm. (And getting a "no" is horrible for your self-esteem.) Can you blame these people for leaving a job for better title/pay? I cannot. Better: I would expect HN to applause! "Stick it to the man!"