The programming talent myth

"In the U.S., today, membership in the "middle class" starts, in the cheapest housing areas, at something around $120k/yr."

Nonsense. I'm a salaried professional and make half that and live, comfortably, in an area with moderately cheap (but by no means the cheapest) cost of living. And most of the professionals I know in my area make $50-80k.

Unless your definition of "middle class" involves owning a mansion and/or taking annual four-week vacations in Europe, flying first class and staying in luxury hotels, I think your perspective is a wee bit off.