I honestly don’t see it as an interview process. You just need to answer three question. It takes less time than writing a post. I assume the intention is simply for the admins to make sure that at least you have read the server rules and understand what kind of community they’re trying to build here.

I also think it’s fine if most people can’t be bothered to do that. There are other instances who will have them. And those instances will have to figure out how to deal with that. But it’s fair for the admins of Beehaw to limit registrations, since they’re the ones putting in the (free) work to keep all this running. I would argue they don’t “need you more” or need anyone in particular, for that matter. It’s not like they’re a platform trying to turn a profit from their user numbers - unlike what we’re accustomed to, sadly. They’re just trying to make this a nice space - for everyone - to share stuff without the caveats of conventional social media.