Not an SWE here - I wonder if the process itself is seen as value-creating by either side, even if a job offer isn't placed? For example, discussing code desi

Not an SWE here - I wonder if the process itself is seen as value-creating by either side, even if a job offer isn't placed? For example, discussing code design may keep the hiring party at the cutting edge / state of the art without having to undertake refresher training cost. The candidate also gets to understand where they stack in terms of hiring companies' expectations, and may opt to retrain as necessary. (I'm reminded of the stories when FB was looking to make a smartphone pre-Oculus - it sounded like they were interviewing candidates but effectively getting design strategy consults out of them gratis, but that's probably more extreme than this).