Problem is, H-1B is little more than an indentured servant program. If we were immigrating only the best and brightest, as free men (women), that would be a bit different.
It seems that many equate H-1B with bringing in cheap labor from abroad. The truth is if you are an international student in the US and would like to stay in the US afterwards then applying for an H1-B (presumably after being on a F-1 student visa) and then getting the permanent residency is often the best way forward.
Those who come here on H-1B can transfer companies now. Giving them more power than they had in the past.
Changing jobs while on H1B is a massive -- massive -- pain in the ass. You need to basically find a company who wants to deal with the headache and the legal expenses, and hope that USCIS accepts your transfer. This significantly limits a visa-holder's choices in terms of employment. Startups are pretty much out of the question, and most medium-sized companies as well, unless you're well-known in your field.