Sure, to increase the rates people can negotiate for. Which is cool, I like more money too!
I just find it ironic you’ve had to go offshore to be able to afford talent. Which is what many companies are doing due to the high US rates. With a very small part to play by levels.fyi, because people see the shiny numbers and aim for the same.
This isn’t conjecture (but could be an anecdote), I know a founder who offshored because people wouldn’t take a high five figure rate due to salaries shown in the area on levels (this was mentioned in negotiating a couple times). I’ve heard similar stories from others!
We have US based employees and several contractors as well. We've created several jobs here directly and probably helped thousands in theirs.