I guess I always imagined there was some sort of equity stake at the kind of companies offering lower salaries.  If there isn't, I'm certainly not one to be sold on the propaganda.  There are plenty of places that have great teams and better salaries out there.  In fact, I don't believe the two are mutually exclusive.  A place with a high salary could be a lot of fun to work at and a low salary gig could be at a total sweatshop.