I think also trying to work around a faulty server with client code is a bit weird, I could see it happening in practice but my first instinct given this interv

I think also trying to work around a faulty server with client code is a bit weird, I could see it happening in practice but my first instinct given this interview would be to insist the server should receive some attention first, or if it is impossible at least this queue should be implemented by another process or machine near the server side. I agree this could work if framed as a coworker rubber ducking his problems to you and asking for ideas to get to a solution, because it could clear up the naming issues and focus on the candidate solving problem skills without the pressure about giving the one right answer to the problem.