blaxx: im not sure youre microsoft analogy is apt (unless youre like a middle manager in the technology industry or something).
these producers didnt ask bus drivers to be rocket scientists, they asked fledgling writers to come to broadway (cue jerry orbach bellowing, "Allentown?!?!?"). the proximity makes the temptation a bit more irresistible, imho.
and, fwiw, after the hash microsoft made of their bid(s) for yahoo, they could probably use you at the top!
"You, sir, are a moron." (PlayItAgain)