I always write working code (at least after debugging), I have a hard time understanding why people cant see the logical fallacy here. Have a programmer write code that may or may not work to test their ability as a developer. When their ability as a developer is measured by being able to write working code. I personally would rather see working code and an explanation of what they have done. I can garner someones ability to write code from that.

The problem is: I don't do thinking by writing code. I do thinking by thinking. Often away from the computer (and even farther away from whiteboards).