When the QA guy (outsourced to India) asks you what version of Firefox it is that teamcity is using to run the code *double faceplate*

Yeah, outsourcing presents some interesting challenges. Trend with some companies that tried it and now are insourcing.

Read between the lines as often the outsource team will say 'yes' even if they have no idea what you are talking about. That said, some guys on our outsource team did have talent. I found they could follow specific instructions but not able to provide value that a local team can - creativity, solving business problems...

indeed, it's often more demanding than helpful but sometimes you strike gold and get som devs that are awesome!