Fact is, I am also going through a very difficult job situation wherein the best possible outcome is still not attractive (having to transfer, etc.) But if my employer tried to buck the market, guess what...the next competitor (and two others) are ready to step right in.
People are humans - not widgets or commodities.
I know it upsets people who think that they got a nice cushy job and they shouldn't have to be competitive, but reality is reality, no matter how tightly you close your eyes.
BTW, it's polite to ping someone when you write about him.
Seriously, you might be mentally ill. If you think IT is an easy cushy job.....