I've seen this many places I worked. Probably most. It's especially prevalent in agencies, because the are two or more layers of this crap happening simultaneo

I've seen this many places I worked. Probably most. It's especially prevalent in agencies, because the are two or more layers of this crap happening simultaneously. First, the client does it to the agency, then the big boss does it to the managers, then the managers do it to the programmers. I think it is also [connected with|the primary reason for] ageism in the industry: As you gain experience, you learn to not fall for this kind of crap anymore. When I was new and insecure, clinging to my job thinking no one else will hire me, I put up with all sorts of crap I wouldn't put up with later in my career.