"The fact that they are essentially illegal in California, and California's economy works shows that are unnecessary and also don't hinder technological development."

If there were another US state where noncompete agreements were "essentially legal" whose economy "worked" what would that show.

Are there any other factors one should consider that affect whether a state's economy "works".

Is it possible to work for a competitor of one's former employer without violating the former employer's intellectual property rights.

(NB. I am in favour of regulating non-competes.)