[ghaff]

> It just seems disrespectful that you would ask someone to be on the phone for half the day just for the possibility that they might get the job.

The vast majority of jobs require coming in for a half-day or day of interviews for the possibility of getting a job. I agree with your point about doing projects for free but a block of interviews is pretty normal. If they're by phone anyway, sure they could be spread out but most companies will have at least some interviews in-person.