I don't have video on my 'non-work' machines, and I usually get a 'work' laptop from the company...

a webcam is not exactly gonna break the bank, but I hate polluting my home machines with crap.

So I guess its not really a red flag to me, more of a nuisance

Ok just so you know you're coming across really difficult. Like you'll find objections about anything.

I think that if I'm considering any kind of business arrangement with someone, asking to see their face is a extremely minimal ask.

as I said, I have no problem with a webcam its just a nuisance to setup. If you think thats 'difficult' oh well. Its never been an issue yet, so I'm not gonna worry about it.

I just don't understand the insisting on video interviews and video calls. I would never want to do a video call with a prospective employee. A normal phone call has always been more than enough for me to get a feel for a person when I'm hiring. And if a recruiter can't get to know somebody by phone, then they're simply incompetent at their job of interviewing and hiring, which most of them frankly are.

If the job is super important, then the recruiter should manage to arrange a face-to-face interview with the candidate. To me video calls are a huge sign of immaturity.