Ask HN: First in the second league or second in the first league

Inspired by the recent discussion about benefits of moving to San Francisco. Someone commented that in many places you'll be the first (e.g. most skilled) in the office but after moving to SF you might easily find yourself to be just an average programmer.

It's interesting to hear different views on being in the top of the second league or to be just an average in the first league. What is more important for you (what would you prefer). I think both have their pluses and minuses.

Please don't misunderstand. I am not referring to SF or to the rest of the world as the first or the second league here. It was just an example.