TBH I think this would be super efficient for both sides.

The question shows a bit how the company (at least the manager) thinks about the world and about interacting with people. If it doesnt fit with your views it might be worth addressing at this point - it's not something that would change in future

I nearly did something similar. Ended up accepting that job. Probably should have walked out.

Care to elaborate?

It's the sort of question that would be asked by someone that the poster you're responding to probably considers very much part of the outgroup and so would take pleasure in brushing off and condescending to.

It's a question designed to get you to either to lie or to show bad faith.

Someone who asks it is not someone you want to work for, whichever group you feel you do or don't belong to.

And you are doing what you are (without evidence or reason) accusing the OP of doing. So which particular group dynamics do you have in mind?

And if you'd rather brush me off and be condescending than get the job, I don't want to hire you.

If that's your answer then you shouldn't be applying for a job in the first place. It seems like your attitude would make you a difficult person to work with. Instead you should monetize and work on your own projects.