Let's not forget it became a business. Gayle Laakmann wrote a book, became a consultant, and I'm sure earned a whole lot of money convincing companies that she'd found the perfect path to hiring great engineers.
I think she had a willing audience because a lot of companies weren't sure they were interviewing the 'right' way. It's always easier to tell your bosses you are following the advice of a top consultant than to try to tell them why you have a better strategy than the FAANGs.
Exactly! She was the one instrumental in publicizing this shitty way of hiring. Or course she could care less about the damage caused because she cashed in, actually still is.
I think she had a willing audience because a lot of companies weren't sure they were interviewing the 'right' way. It's always easier to tell your bosses you are following the advice of a top consultant than to try to tell them why you have a better strategy than the FAANGs.