[pmiller2]

If the ability to learn completely arbitrary things is what they want to test, why not have them write an essay on the spot in Sanskrit?

[smallnamespace]

Dynamic programming is far from completely arbitrary. But even if it were completely arbitrary, it would still serve a useful signaling function as long as people agreed on which hoops they're supposed to jump through.

A peacock's plumage serve little useful purpose except to show how fit he is; but that purpose is essential to the survival of the species.

[jonfw]

It's not arbitrary, and it's not on the spot.

Dynamic programming asks them to either study or have abstract math skills. Both are good signs of competence.