In retrospect it mostly didn't work. What I really learned from this is that help-wanted pages are a formality. I figure places that hire people who read HN pay

In retrospect it mostly didn't work. What I really learned from this is that help-wanted pages are a formality. I figure places that hire people who read HN pay recruiters, and applying directly with the company less often 'skips the line' and more often finds a direct line to the trashcan, since h1b hiring laws require employers try to find local talent work first.