As a side point, it'd be good to keep an eye on the field and understand when that leveling off happens - because it's going to effect us all.
I do agree with you - sometimes I prefer someone with 'less' skills and experience, but more willingness and passion, than someone with more experience, but less passion and the like.
When I mentioned exorbitant, I was of course taking into account lots of different factors, and based on those factors, what some people are asking for is simply not realistic for the position in question.
