> Given the modern hiring practice of "can you pass Leetcode," and "can you memorize and regurgitate how to architect a link shortener," yes, yes I do.

You are contradicting yourself. If there's anything that requires studying and preparation, that's leetcode.

Also, "memorize and regurgitate how to architect a link shortener" is also known as learning and knowing the basics of systems architecture and software architecture. That's an odd way of criticising others for being more competent than you.