While your statement is true, it doesn't explain nearly all of the problems. The shift from tenured to adjunct positions in academia doesn't have anything to d

While your statement is true, it doesn't explain nearly all of the problems. The shift from tenured to adjunct positions in academia doesn't have anything to do with the quality of applicants. The shift in tech from salaried employees to contractors (offshored or not) has nothing to do with the pool of qualified applicants. Lower pay for positions that create the same value are not the fault of the worker. When these sorts of issues become structural there are far fewer options for individuals to pursue. Whatever path they choose, their chances of success is less.