The dev isn't a contractor to the agency. The dev just pays the agency 15% of billings.
That's really the only structural difference, but it's important. 10X takes less than a typical consulting co, provides less tangible benefits, and has a better marketing story as long as they are smart about it.
Recruiters and consulting cos have always been highly variable in quality, but the current tech hiring drama has brought out some especially bad ones. In the late 90s (the last time I worked thru a consulting co), it was possible to find a rep that you respected and would shop your skills to reasonable customers and handle the annoying bits professionally.
That's really the only structural difference, but it's important. 10X takes less than a typical consulting co, provides less tangible benefits, and has a better marketing story as long as they are smart about it.
Recruiters and consulting cos have always been highly variable in quality, but the current tech hiring drama has brought out some especially bad ones. In the late 90s (the last time I worked thru a consulting co), it was possible to find a rep that you respected and would shop your skills to reasonable customers and handle the annoying bits professionally.