>> Programmers are (or were?) expensive because, at least in recent times, talented ones are expensive because they are rare enough.
In all the years I worked in the industry, I never knew anyone trying to hire "talented" programmers. Only trying to hire people, usually inexperienced juniors, willing to work twice the time they're paid for if you tell them how smart they are.
Ya, there is that also. But sane orgs will want to hire programmers with some level of talent, at least. Not just some kid out of bootcamp, they will have to show that they can actually program something first.
In all the years I worked in the industry, I never knew anyone trying to hire "talented" programmers. Only trying to hire people, usually inexperienced juniors, willing to work twice the time they're paid for if you tell them how smart they are.