It is VERY hard to find good experienced programmers. Generally if they're performing well, their employers don't want to let them go, and many don't have resumes, let alone resumes in circulation.

Let's say you find one who for personal circumstances is available. And let's say you make them an offer that's fair within your salary structure. And let's say you get a modest counter. (5-10% of the total offer side)

Do you accept the counter?

Part of me says, "Programmers like this are so rare, why let a small sum get in the way of hiring them?" The other part says, "This precedent will set up an annual headache."

Thoughts? I know it's not black and white.