> I am good enough to be a contractor designing the systems - but apparently not good enough to be an employee.
Or not good enough to mess with the contract they have with your employer?
Or not good enough to mess with the contract they have with your employer?
Even if it isn't technically poaching, outsiders don't know that, and it can start fights. Easier for them to avoid the situation altogether. Non-poach agreements are illegal, so they won't tell you that this is why.