And they failed for it, because they didn't follow the instructions. Nit picking about the requirements and being all "well, _technically_" is both a common personality trait among programmers and _THE WRONG WAY TO THINK_ when interacting with humans.
Lot of people are very spicy in the comments, but for a mid-level position mind-reading shouldn't be required.
Not to mention that the whole problem is that the fucking hiring manager was too slimy to actually go to the technical team and ask them what they think about the proposal, and too lazy to take the time and energy and answer like a normal sentient being, and instead sent this autoresponder-level bullshit reply.
