Wait -- there are two questions here. One is whether developers need passion, and the other is whether an interview process is a good way to tell whether they

Wait -- there are two questions here. One is whether developers need passion, and the other is whether an interview process is a good way to tell whether they have it (and the other qualities required -- I haven't seen anyone say that passion is sufficient). I think most of us are speaking to the former -- I certainly have been. I agree that work sample tests can be quite valuable.