It's a shame. There is always something that gets compromised.

Take that, Space Coyote!

I personally would not use the new job as a "bargaining chip", in that I'd bring it to the old boss and try to get them to match or beat the deal. IMO that has the potential to create bad blood. Instead, without ever mentioning any other opportunity I would just ask to open up negotiations for a raise. Focus on what your value to the company is and has been. You're training a couple of junior developers, so why not ask for a manager position with those two your first direct reports? No doubt such a position has additional responsibilities commensurate with the raise you're seeking. It will also reflect better on your resume when you do eventually seek out another position.

If you and they cannot agree on an acceptable solution, then you should definitely not feel bad about jumping ship. It may very well be that your actual value to the new company is simply more than it is to the old. Everyone wants to be valuable, and maybe this new company can better utilize your skills and experience. Their offer appears to indicate at least they think so.

Sorry, but I'm going with the brand name "Ansible".

No, but especially not in New Zealand.

I've been holding off on creating most of my best music because the incentive just wasn't good enough. Now I finally feel my monopoly will be protected long enough to make it worth it.

The same people that won't allow a reactor anywhere near their backyard will never allow a launch with radioactive materials onboard. It's a political non-starter, unless they can come up with some really creative spin that avoids using the words "nuclear", "radiation", "reactor", etc.

Maybe it will make you feel better, maybe not, but even with the bad economy, today's market for software engineers is like INFINITELY better than it was in 1929.

Well then what are enemy countries for?

Turns out he is de-evolving.