It's an extremely common practice so I don't mean to specifically go after you about it. I'm sorry if it came off that way.

I just really don't like it. I see it as exploiting people in a vulnerable position.

You're right that there are varying degrees. Certainly the worst - for me personally - was King Games in Sweden asking me to spend a week on making a candy crush clone after a short phone interview. I was in a position to refuse but I cannot imagine how many peoples' weeks they wasted.