"Turned into" implies there was a time when software interviews weren't a series of sideshow feats. I realize it's a tough sword to swallow, but have no evidence that's the case.

Yes, this is a widely held sentiment. The reasoning is also quite nuanced but ultimately results in weak arguments to support it. The industry just hasn't figured out another way and keeps doubling down on this way because it has a limited - but not nonexistant - way of quantifying results.

> solutions often comes around as a hack that would never pass a serious PR review

That's how I feel about these interview quizes and expectations.