My experience was that recruiters tried lowballing me, because they wanted to set up a system, where they ran the contract, and I subcontracted with them.

They wanted to pay me $50/hr, but they would charge the customer $150/hr.

It got quite insulting. They would dis my capabilities to me, but I’ll bet I walked on water, when they talked to the customer.

It's because companies reduced sourcing and supplier to two to four companies.

You either get in with those companies or zero chance.

They know that and abuse the shit out of the situation.

Rumours has it, that companies are thinking about to end this setup and allow "anyone in" because recruiters ( Accenture, sthree and what not) are abusing this. With we get 150 we pay 60. What do you think what kind of developers you get?

The bad and left over..