> Starting fresh somewhere else with no reputation, no karma, and the potential for being the small fish again will pay dividends.

This assumes new place will recognize the attributes that you bring, no?

This reminds me somewhat of the allure of rags-to-riches stories. Of a world (or a company, at least) where talent is consistently recognized and fairly rewarded.

One can hope that such places exist, to varying degrees, but it seems unwise to assume your next job is one of them, unless you have some solid evidence.