>From that point on I have consistently refused to 'name my amount'
You're cutting off your nose to spite your face. I don't see why you can't just ask for what you want. When you found out about your friend why not just ask for the same from your manager?
If you don't ask you don't get, your problem of being paid less is self inflicted by your refusal to tell them the price you're satisfied with.
>and see how it aligns with my expectations
You clearly have a concept of your worth, just ask for it with a few grand more, the worst they can say is no and you can just go elsewhere.
Based on my past experiences with the above strategy, both my proverbial face and nose are fine, thank you! Before that though, I have done both - named an amount too high for a job that I really wanted, which I got passed on, and then named an amount too low for a different position leading to the aforementioned situation. So, yeah, YMMV, but for me just not playing the game works great.
Definitely can understand and sympathize how you'd end up in that situation after being passed over for a job you really wanted. But please never lowball yourself, the price you walk through the door with defines your entire worth during your time at that company.
It can take longer if you ask higher but at least the company you end up with you'll know they're happy to pay more.
You're cutting off your nose to spite your face. I don't see why you can't just ask for what you want. When you found out about your friend why not just ask for the same from your manager?
If you don't ask you don't get, your problem of being paid less is self inflicted by your refusal to tell them the price you're satisfied with.
>and see how it aligns with my expectations
You clearly have a concept of your worth, just ask for it with a few grand more, the worst they can say is no and you can just go elsewhere.