Let's not forget it became a business. Gayle Laakmann wrote a book, became a consultant, and I'm sure earned a whole lot of money convincing companies that she'd found the perfect path to hiring great engineers.

I think she had a willing audience because a lot of companies weren't sure they were interviewing the 'right' way. It's always easier to tell your bosses you are following the advice of a top consultant than to try to tell them why you have a better strategy than the FAANGs.