Seriously now, how many hours does it take to start a simple project in a technology you're familiar with? I get it, you want time for your hobbies and programming might not be one of them. However if getting a job is important to you, is it so hard to spend some hours writing a piece of software that's maybe related to your hobbies?

> The silly art project that I launched in Austin. My dog business. Running, painting, writing.

Take any of these hobbies and write a small application related to it. Don't do it because "code speaks to you", do it because it's important to get a job. Do one application, spend some hours on it, and be done with it.

> It's important to me that these attributes be valued by my workplace.

I don't think that's reasonable. I have many great people at my workplace, some of them have become good friends. But really nobody gives a damn I do 3D modeling in my spare time and I don't see how that would make things better. People know I enjoy designing visual stuff, and they always come to me for advice on colors and UIs, but that's about it. And my design hobby is valued because it brings value to the team and the project.

Interviewing is a contest. Some people prepare more than others. Some learn body language, some study the company before interviewing, others prepare side projects to show. If you're unwilling to do anything that puts you one step ahead of the crowd, don't complain about the interviewing process. It's a game. Within reason optimize for success. Don't just complain about how unfair it is.