I agree with what you're saying. I (assuming I am the system) should not take advantage of people, and use negotiating tactics to get them to work for less pay

I agree with what you're saying. I (assuming I am the system) should not take advantage of people, and use negotiating tactics to get them to work for less pay than they deserve. However, "market rate" isn't just a flat value you get when punching in a formula, and is subjective. Also, I think you've read more into what I wrote. I didn't mention what was fair pay. I just said I had $10 to pay someone, and asked what they wanted, and offered them just that. Why did you assume that $7 was not market? Why did you assume that the individual was ignorant when asking for $7? Why did you assume the individual was entitled to the full $10, perhaps they performed only okay during the interview, but showed signs of promise? The point I'd like to illustrate is that if you're paid an amount that makes you happy, or that you are okay with because you had some control over it (i.e. negotiating), it seems childish to accuse the system of cheating, or being unfair if you later find out there was money "left on the table." In life, no one is going to watch out for your best interests. I don't believe in screwing people over, "cheating" them if you will, but I also don't believe in overpaying either. At some point, for most individuals, the utility value of additional money diminishes. Hopefully you will get to a point where making an extra $10k in salary isn't the deciding factor in joining a company.