In my experience, hiring managers and recruiters are given specific knobs they can turn. Salary, of course, and a few knobs around equity. Things that aren't presented to the hiring managers are next to impossible to change: vacation time is a big one, but also working hours, because that's all in company policies that are written to apply to all.
- "We're sorry but your salary range is above what we are willing to offer."
- "I am prepared to accept your upper range salary for 80% employment."
- "Deal!"