Smaller companies have always had to compete on non-salary benefits like flexibility, and jobseekers who actually value those things above a higher salary will

Smaller companies have always had to compete on non-salary benefits like flexibility, and jobseekers who actually value those things above a higher salary will presumably be motivated to look into them, as they have always done as well. It's still helpful to know if your actual paycheck is going to be in range of your expectations or not before you waste your time applying to jobs.