[flaviut]

> They also spend some time evaluating your project submission.

I could evaluate a project in 5-10 minutes. Or an employer could have a fully automated system for the first round of evaluation.

The problem isn't benefiting the employer, it's that the costs are asymmetrical. The employer has no incentive to act in a way that respects the applicant's time.

There's a similar problem in real estate. If buyers weren't required to place a deposit with their offers, they'd waste the time of countless sellers.