I really went back and forth on whether or not to proceed with this interview process. Fundamentally it goes against some very core beliefs and just reeks of them trying to extract free work. The case study is not hypothetical, it's a real prospect they're actively working. They send this assignment to literally every candidate without any screening whatsoever which further points to them wanting free work. I really went back and forth on whether or not I should complete it, because of how crazy the economy and job market is right now, but in the end, I just couldn't do it. They really need to get the message this type of practice isn't "innovative" it's exploitative and manipulative.