All my friends that are really good "never went on the job market" and got hired following to their summer internship, and a few others (good ones) and I went forward to a Ph.D. This proves nothing, but brings some evidence.
Bad for them. Going onto the job market is not an opportunity only for those who hire but also for those who are looking for a job: if they are SO good, thew will have to chance to interview in many good places and pick the one they like the best.
Settle down after a stage means taking the easy way. not a sign of excellence, if you ask me.
It totally depends on _where_ you settle down. They were and are all very happy with their jobs. They were all in their dream jobs! And one did startup->Google directly without being back on the job market.
