A big issue is that the best and brightest have not usually wanted to work for the government. (I retired after31 years of service) For most of that time, I was considered crazy for doing it. During periods of financial crisis, I was no longer crazy. But it was the stability and benefits, not the salary, that kept me like golden handcuffs. No longer the case. No stability, fewer benefits, crazy management, etc. and we are back to the past and the government being a low end place to work.