There is a great shortage at the high end. I know a bunch of startups that are desperate to hire really good programmers.
Isn't that more specifically a shortage of really good programmers who will work mainly for equity? That might always be a problem. I think programming is an activity that tends to make people risk-averse.
At Justin.tv, we give really good programmers equity and we pay them good salaries. So if you know any who are risk averse but want to work at a startup, send them our way.