[serge2k]

Regarding point 3, I've seen that given out as an option before in talks about interviews. I only see it as a solution that works if the person is actually hired.

If not they waste 2 weeks of their time and probably other SDE time. It leaves no room for people who apply while still working at another job. I had to miss 2 days of work for my interview, and that was about the biggest risk I could afford. Even if you say you will pay me for the 2 weeks, I still wouldn't have a job to come back to. It's probably still a poor job, I was just starting to get into my first task towards the end of 2 weeks. I spend most of the time just getting everything setup (granted we ran into issues that had to be resolved with another team, but still).