1) So what? In your example, the candidate doesn't know what the fair market salary is (precisely because these data aren't transparent now), but once they're h

1) So what? In your example, the candidate doesn't know what the fair market salary is (precisely because these data aren't transparent now), but once they're hired and they find out, they'll instantly become unhappy and more likely to move. "they'll expect more money" == "employer won't be able to screw the employee over". 2) Oh these poor poor companies who won't be able to screw their employees out of their fair compensation. 3) Do you mean the startups that get crazy stupid valuations? Or those startups who pay peanuts and have little benefits? People already know the risk they're taking with the latter, and the former can afford to pay competitive salaries or sell the other benefits harder. No, it should not be up to individual businesses. You are clearly comfortable with exploiting people for the benefit of the business. If your business can't afford to pay for top talent, then perhaps it's ok if it doesn't get the top talent. Businesses should purchase what they can pay for, just like we do when we go to the store.