[mavelikara]

> Are knowing obscure algorithms like this any test of a person's programming ability ?

No, it is not. Knowing what a priority queue is is a reasonable expectation; knowing the monotone variant is not.

Unfortunately, far too many empathy-deaf programers get to interview candidates. They think that maintaining the company's reputation for having a hard interview process will work in their favor - no "undesirable" candidate get through under MY watch! - unaware of the long-term ill effects such stupid questions have on their profession.

"Hire programers smarter than you" seem to be interpreted as "ask more obscure things than what you were asked". :(