Honestly, this is why I'm skeptical of take-home coding. They require a high investment of my time, and a lower investment of the hiring company's time.

It's fine when I'm in a "my job is to get a job" situation, but I haven't been in that situation very much.

As a result, I only start these kinds of projects when I have a clear understanding of the company; and when my personal ramp-up will be very small. Otherwise, I just walk away. My free time is limited.