I think we do have a talent shortage, seriously, I see it all the time in the companies I work for. And if you run in an interview like the author describes, it is very likely that the interviewer just lacks talent and happens to be in that position, otherwise he or she would recognise the opportunity and go for a good deal.
But there are also good reasons why companies are often extremely careful hiring new staff. Many companies are desperately seeking the right dev's because they know that the wrong pick can cost them tons of money. The mess a wrong dev can create can do so much damage to the product while it often has to be released within a certain timeframe. I've seen a startup failing because of that.
> Many companies are desperately seeking the right dev's because they know that the wrong pick can cost them tons of money. The mess a wrong dev can create can do so much damage to the product while it often has to be released within a certain timeframe
That suggests problems in management and organization. Likely also with existing seniors and their communication with management. If not having developer causes less issues then hiring average one, then the company really needs to rethink their processes and onboarding.
But there are also good reasons why companies are often extremely careful hiring new staff. Many companies are desperately seeking the right dev's because they know that the wrong pick can cost them tons of money. The mess a wrong dev can create can do so much damage to the product while it often has to be released within a certain timeframe. I've seen a startup failing because of that.