I think the "free" attention economy is what pushes software developer compensation so high. So maybe it's true that it's damaged the wholesome place the intern

I think the "free" attention economy is what pushes software developer compensation so high. So maybe it's true that it's damaged the wholesome place the internet could have been, but I doubt it's damaged you or me as producers of software. Consider the wages paid to tradespeople who make useful, non hyperscale products. Or even the salary differential between fields of computer work (web vs embedded, for example).