Agreed, but then you have the problem of asserting that the person really wrote it.

Nevertheless, every take home I accept I assume the default action of the receiver is to forget the effort and time that went into in, rejecting with no feedback. Horrible, but based on reality.

It is what it is, but I'm on a mission (getting the job) and unfortunately I do not hold all the cards.

If only there was a way to prove one's worth without having to spin plates while reciting 1000 digits of Pi EVERY TIME.

Portfolios also take time. It also takes time to evaluate portfolios. Not to mention that portfolios can be faked like everything else.