This just sounds like basic expectation management, fluffed up a little to make it sound like more than it really is (which is funny because the 'test' itself s

This just sounds like basic expectation management, fluffed up a little to make it sound like more than it really is (which is funny because the 'test' itself sets up an identical situation). It reads like a fantasy of a conversation rather than one that actually happened. Of course you're going to work with someone who is up-front with you when other people are just saying yes and no. "I hired you because you were engaged with my proposal and were clear about expectations" doesn't have the same ring to it because it doesn't beat around the bush.