I've had a few bad managers over the years, but mostly they were NOT the ones promoted from the technical ranks. The technical ones have known what I'm doing and what I'm up against, and have been an incredible support by going to the meetings, extracting decisions from them, and trying to shelter me from all the political stuff that gets in the way of my job. I'd HATE to have to do that, so I think they deserve every penny of extra income! Working for a good person has been top priority for me for many years now: thanks to Roger, Melvin, and Gary who have fit the bill!