The first comment was a bit tongue-in-cheek and perhaps didn't come off as such. Not that I think we've ever tried a one-for-one trade, nor would that ever work logistically. So it's totally unrealistic and out by default.

I said in another comment that I'm more appalled by their apparent lack of any sort of discretion in their negotiation tactics. I also specifically didn't call out the sign on bonus in that comment, because while I think that's asinine for the job, perhaps it's what's required for the market to bear. I don't have the slightest issue with someone negotiating, I've turned down what seemed like great opportunities myself because it felt like a bad fit or an overly controlling environment I'd be getting in to.

I do know from these sad negotiations, all I see are red flags telling me there's no chance in hell I can count on any of these people to show up on time and consistently. If this were my business I'd raise the pay before I'd hire any of these turds, as it would be a hell of a lot cheaper to pay a reliable person more than to burn money doing nothing because my sign holder was out late and promised he'd show up after he got his bonus. If I can't afford it, then I guess I'm choosing between standing out there and holding the damn sign myself or cutting losses and dealing with contract breach costs and reputation hits.