When I read these stories, I always wonder how many qualified people would actually subject themselves to such a pathetically long interview process? I imagine

When I read these stories, I always wonder how many qualified people would actually subject themselves to such a pathetically long interview process? I imagine that companies with such processes only get candidates that are extremely compliant and lack self-esteem. Because most people I know would politely tell the employer to go f themselves after the 3rd screening call. Are these long drawn out, humiliating application processes typically American or does this happen in other countries as well?