> normally one doesn't directly trade RSUs and base comp You do, it just isn't spelled out. If you're getting comp in one way (RSUs), then you're not getting i

> normally one doesn't directly trade RSUs and base comp You do, it just isn't spelled out. If you're getting comp in one way (RSUs), then you're not getting it in other ways (salary). The same is true of other benefits, like free food, 401k contributions, etc. It generally isn't a 1-to-1 thing, but it _is_ a tradeoff.