Gisajob,
I think employers are going for the cheapest option these days. So all the single-rated young folks fresh out of college, well, they're valuable, worth keeping, - whatever the cost. Young staff are also important to an organisation's glamourous image. and in this age of 'brand-values', image is everything. See Simon Cowell for details.
This missing, "current crop", are Lo-Co ATCOs, if you like, AND, 'malleable' too, easily converted to modern management's way of thinking.
Anyone with experience, say over 45, and top of the pay-scale, is considered a nuisance. and less receptive to modern 'management methodologies'.
Might be a few experienced folk coming into the marketplace shortly.
Keep a sharp look-out.