I used to think like you. But it is not that simple. Of course, financial compensation is the best way to reward someone for being good. But you are missing the point made by GP. The idea that people acknowledge your value to a team is important. It encourages you to do a good job and be even better.

I get paid a lot more as a consultant right now that I made as a fulltime employee but there is something missing in my current gig. It is the appreciation (not patronizing) that me being there makes a difference.