This explains a huge part of the real reason productive programmers aren't paid more: In general they are providing that output without asking for proper compensation in a way that gives them enough leverage. Facebook wanting to hire them is giving them leverage enough, so they get paid.

Managers have leverage, so in companies making billions of dollars in revenue top level management can make hundreds of millions.

What the productive programmers should look for is effective leverage. Traditionally, the answer has been to form a union. I don't think that is feasible here though, the practicalities, ideologies and the fact that the programmers already get paid enough to eat and sleep comfortably, stand in the way.

But you never know.