I think this is the result of companies thinking of people like resources. They should be treated as co-entrepreneurs. It is a two edge sword because many candidates wouldnt comply but yet nobody would ask for 5 rounds of interviewing when there are better ways. Payment for interview might be for some. We gave developers oportunity to spent with us up to week to see if the team and environemt is for them. If they joined a real project during that time, they got paid a daily rate.

Please, do not ask HR recruiters to think. Just dont!