I always wonder what the behind the scenes really looks like at places that do this. For example, would a hiring manager say, "this person really would be my to

I always wonder what the behind the scenes really looks like at places that do this. For example, would a hiring manager say, "this person really would be my top pick, but lives in SV. Instead, I'll pick the candidate in Omaha I'm not so sure about and that's 1/2 of my budget so I can give myself a bonus later." Basically I wonder what that tipping point in pay differential between candidates would need to be to sway a decision to hire someone less skilled or desirable. (Not to say those outside of pricey metros are less desirable per se).