Not really sure what your point is. The employer is worried about getting good return on their investment in me, I am worried about getting good return on the time I'm investing in the company.

So my interest is that they recognize that I provide value, and pay me accordingly. It's possible that they recognize my value but choose to underpay.

I want them to pay me as much as possible, they want to pay me as little as possible. We reach a compromise, and if a different company offers a better deal I take it. That's their incentive to pay me a competitive salary. Doesn't matter what I say or how well I play office politics, they are most likely going to try to get a bargain and I am most likely going to leave for a better deal because there's always someone willing to pay more.