Erlik, Those are awfully broad generalities. Dilbert is funny because there are plenty of situations like that, but not every manager is pointy-haired. Engineers share the profit in their salaries. In general, they are extremely well paid, which is why offshoring is so interesting. Just check out the last issue of Game Developer magazine that ran a salary survey and you'll see. US gov cannot do much without a slap from the WTO and sanctions from the EU. It wont happen. Best regards, Lynn