Stopped lurking just for this.

I've only ever worked in the 'enterprise' - large consultancies, systems integrators and massive, very well known, software companies.

Every single one of these did a very intense background check on me.

With the exception of Accenture, I have never had a request for a MAC or LINUX machine turned down. I have never had my expenses denied, I have always been paid very well and I have never ever been hired on the spot.

Your expereinces are your own, let's not try to pass them off as the way things are.