Ask HN: Why do companies expect above average talent for average salaries?

Most software companies offer "market rate" and "competitive" salaries. But all of them want exceptional candidates. It's like they're shopping for a Porsche with Hyundai money. I get the idea of dreaming big and trying to catch an offer. But this is just ridiculous.

Before you tell me to look for another company, I did. All of them know the market rate and all of them set their max salary to it. Ask more than that and the guy across the table will look at you like you're insane.

Shouldn't above average talent be paid with above average salaries? I fell like I'm taking crazy pills.

I feel more and more that contracting is the future. Software developers are becoming the new factory workers.