I think it is worth seeing what's out there even if you're happy. Maybe there's something better! The standard process where the first two steps are some orde

I think it is worth seeing what's out there even if you're happy. Maybe there's something better! The standard process where the first two steps are some ordering of a 1-hour interview with someone technical and a chat with a recruiter is perfect for this. With minimal effort (maybe 90 minutes) you find out whether they're interested in you at all, and get to ask both a technical person and a recruiter about the job. The big time investment typically comes later, and I can easily bail if I decide it isn't going to be a compelling offer. I've done this quite a bit. I'm glad the homework process worked for you, but my point that it doesn't seem like a good idea for the company stands. If the first thing you do is filter based on how badly applicants need a job, you're losing a significant portion of the best people right off the bat.