I think for smart employers this definitely the case... that they pay based on the value a person brings to the company... but I think for so many companies, especially larger ones, you're not paid based on what you're worth... you're actually paid on what it would cost to replace you. Which, honestly, has always worked out really well for me and my weird little niche skills.
Yep. THey hire based on narrow function of the position, not the person to fill it.
Precisely. This is eloquently put - I'm gonna steal it! :D
Gathering hot women willing to be in front of the camera? :D
Niche is good for many things. I have a few "differentiators" of my own that i can leverage. The thing is, most people want to be the best of the average, so having skills that stand out of the average, is highly valuable, even if they aren't the best.