Is NYC Done?

Interesting piece in Abovethelaw about NYC’s viability as a hub for young lawyers going forward. Basically - is making $145,000 in NYC worth it considering the cost of living when you can make the same in Atlanta, Boston, or Chicago? Or even Cleveland (http://jonesday.com/careers/usa/students/associatelife/compensation/office.aspx?office=28&comp=1)? With law firms cutting back on associate salaries, I think we’ll begin to see a tiered salary structure, in biglaw at least, with more qualified young associates getting paid more than those who don’t meet their billing targets. What do you think?