Good post. Just to add - I'm a CCIE in DC. I have earned 3 of the 5 required CCVP certs. I recently tested the waters to see what numbers I could generate. From my experience, yes, the number the recruiter mentioned to you is a low amount for that offer. I would expect the high-end of that amount should be the starting number.

But, respectfully, you're leaving out the hardest thing to acquire in DC - security clearance. Most any decent engineer in DC will will have some type of clearance (otherwise, why be in DC?). Having clearance will boost the rate another 10-15%. And, if the CCIE Engineer with CCVP has TS/SCI or, dare I write, poly clearance - probably approaching or eclipsing Bay area numbers.

I have a bet that recruiter will be looking for a while (or find someone that has that has passed the written, and is 'close' to passing the lab). ;-)