I think the worse that can happen is the 3rd options, although I agree that we have no information about "How much bad is hiring a bad engineer" When I'm asked

I think the worse that can happen is the 3rd options, although I agree that we have no information about "How much bad is hiring a bad engineer" When I'm asked about how I'd hire I always look for adaptability, creativity, communication, taste. Unless our goal is to find something really skilled on alghorithims or a specific language, it's just ok if they are curious, passionate, and communicate. That said, I still wonder why we put that much emphasis on the language or the algorithmic skills when what we really care about is culture, passion, and helpful communication. Maybe it's just me but I feel like searching for a more human skillset seems worthwile in the long term