<p>But what matters most is not the sheer NUMBER of engineers/scientists but the quality. Yes, yes I understand, quality can be fished out of any big enough tank but it’s not like the scientists/engineers of America today are going broke and hungry. I have no fears about being able to support myself upon graduation so the ‘career-path’ that I choose is one that I love. Incentives such as higher pay and more benefits could attract more workers to the field but are those the kinds of workers we WANT to be attracting? If we’re after sheer man-power, sure, but if we’re after innovation and advancement, it takes a dedication far beyond the desire for money.</p>
<p>Maybe I’m just an idealist.</p>