I think this is easily refuted by large portions of our government, not least of which is our military. Even if a random Lt. Col. doesn't have enough software

I think this is easily refuted by large portions of our government, not least of which is our military. Even if a random Lt. Col. doesn't have enough software experience, they tend to all be damn impressive executives. People are motivated by more than money. I certainly am, and would be far wealthier if I was only middling on career paths that use similar skills. In the end, talented people (and less talented people) have strong opinions about what they work on when given choices, and money is not the sole consideration.