> you get paid once a month

I've never worked anywhere that didn't do this (in the UK). Are you suggesting they should pay more often? Is that normal in the US?

> AND the base salary was below 200K

Oh no! You guys are in for a shock if developer wages ever become more "normal" there (i.e. closer to the rest of the world).

Twice a month is the usual trend here in the States.

This sounds like the types that enjoy a big tax refund, ignoring they had it to begin with. Unless adjusting tax withholdings, one also gives a free short term loan to Uncle Sam regardless of the cycle.

Contrived. At a point this is admitting a failure or unwillingness to budget.