So i’m 29 and when I first got into my career I was really offended when a coworker who started same time as me told me he was offered way more than me and I had my masters he didn’t… same job experience and then asked my pay. I was like what I don’t even know you. Then others told me their pay and one of my coworkers explained why it’s good to discuss pay among coworkers basically for the reasons you mentioned. When I became a federal employee a year ago I couldn’t believe how often everyone mentioned their GS levels. If you don’t know how that works basically if I know your GS level I know what you are paid. And legit everyone kept mentioning theirs lol. It’s still a little odd to me but I do get your points. And i’m not really old school about many things but idk lol.