Well, yes, that could be part of it. The other part of it is that in smaller shops you have a talent pool to pick from, and getting cobol programmers isn't easy, especially ones who are also proficient with some of the modern programming languages and web development. I'm not saying it can't be done, but its harder to find those folks. Plus, cobol programmers are usually older, have much experience in the industry, and consequently command a higher salary. Sticking with the "more modern" technologies in my mind really translates into using the technologies that are most popular giving you a large pool of applicants to hire from at an affordable rate.

That's a pretty cool project. The scale is huge, and I bet will cost hundreds of millions to pull off, but it's a good idea! And I agree with 2phar, why cant I just go to irs.gov to file? Would be nice, however instead I have to use turbotax and the likes!

The lawyers will end up ruling the world. Its too bad people can't make an honest living anymore without fear of a "goliath" coming in and suing you. They have more money and resources, and fighting them just detracts you from using your true talents to produce artwork. Its sad really...