I don't see the inconsistency you see? Every company I've talked to set their hiring standards to the top quartile, and doesn't want to pay more than the median

I don't see the inconsistency you see? Every company I've talked to set their hiring standards to the top quartile, and doesn't want to pay more than the median wage. The large number of low salary jobs available doesn't mean there are any jobs for anyone not in the top quartile or many jobs someone in the top quartile should take.