If it is a phone call, the company is spending money/time as well. It's mutual commitment. Developing test beforehand requires no commitment ($0) to particular

If it is a phone call, the company is spending money/time as well. It's mutual commitment. Developing test beforehand requires no commitment ($0) to particular applicant. There's no commitment. As for reviewing, I've seen A/B/C/D tests out there. These can be evaluated automatically. So once again, no commitment. Now, the point is than anyone -- if there's an option -- prefers situation where there's at least some commitment from the other side. Thus, the guys with automated tests are going to hire only developers which have no other choice. It looks like they are shooting themselves in the foot.