Average is all you need, if your needs are average.

But, you see, our needs are above average because we target above average exists so we only hire from the top 1% of software engineers, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, etc.

The Business simply cannot admit that it’s really doing nothing above average. If they did, investment dries up.

That is correct. And if you need more you can get it as well.

I liken it to the Ikeaficiation of furniture. To a great majority, such as my college self, it was preferable and desirable. As I've made more money, I've wanted something better.

There's a market for both, but the furniture slop of Ikea is dominant.