How many people coming out of college do you think are making 110-250k. If less quality people are applying it isn't because of the money, it's because the placement system is unappealing as fuck. If you make level 7 pay and you're under 30 you're in the top like 25% of earners in the country for your age. People continue to apply to this job solely for the pay and benefits. Again, not saying they shouldn't be better, but to pretend that people at a level 12 in Chicago can't afford to buy homes is laughable