I think the basic corporate rules of signalling competence apply here. Assuming that person was both technologically and socially incompetent (which might be too harsh of a judgement), some people still have a way of getting promoted into valuable positions by appearing to do a great job.

> Sorry to hear about the rent situation - I take that worked out OK eventually?

Thankfully that was some years back, I'm doing okay today :)

Not sure it is - the usual advice is "if in doubt then don't hire" so why not apply that to employers as well as employees?

Of course, if there is an element of desperation involved then I can understand it. But I have walked away from interview processes (or turned down offers) when I had some worries and never really regretted it.

Harshness both ways would seem to be fair.