I can't think of a regular scenario where it would ever be positive to be in the doormat position.
In my experience, companies you actually want to work for will turn away the doormats.
I've actually spoken to a number of companies that have openly stated that they would not interview candidates that didn't request an amount greater than a certain dollar threshold (most recent one I can think of was >$160k base, Santa Monica).
This is the "we want skilled, assertive people" ideology taken to its conclusion.
In my experience, companies you actually want to work for will turn away the doormats.
I've actually spoken to a number of companies that have openly stated that they would not interview candidates that didn't request an amount greater than a certain dollar threshold (most recent one I can think of was >$160k base, Santa Monica).
This is the "we want skilled, assertive people" ideology taken to its conclusion.