I've seen some people say that contract-to-hire jobs what incompetent programmers take, but I don't really see the connection between that and your programming ability. Nor how they have a lower bar for hiring than full-time or contract-only jobs. Are the words in CTH usually weasel words?<p>I prefer full-time only jobs but personally, I'd be willing to work a CTH job for a major tech company. If I get an offer for a CTH job I would treat it as a contract-only job (in the sense that I'd be contractor <i>right at this moment</i>) and therefore ask for contractor rates.
I know some people have successfully gotten good jobs that way. Presumably some of these are awful companies.<p>Since you're not getting job security or benefits you should very definitely be charging more.<p>(I've gone from consulting for company to being an employee, actually - didn't start as CTH, just it's a good way for both sides to get to know each other.)
Contract-to-hire can be good for both parties. You want to find the right fit (and that goes both ways) before embarking on a long-term employment relationship. CTH can be a great solution for that. When possible, my companies use CTH (2- or 4-week contract) instead of weeks of unpaid interviews.