Are we debating wealth or income?
To a point a I agree, but people can do the math on where the ideal “bust my ass” line is. Also consider the workforce migration we have seen since those top tax rates were in affect. This board is a perfect example of that.
Not everyone has the luxury of choosing where they live, but an increasing number of high paying jobs are becoming mobile. Hell, my best developer has been living in Costa Rica for the past two years.