One thing that something like this may be useful for is in help at solving a particular problem (e.g. sending POST requests in Python and interpreting the responses).

I fully support ideas like this. I see it as lowering the barrier to market. This could solve the problem of finding small work. I have out of work friends who are capable at tutoring but are currently unemployed.

I do wonder what you'll do about quality control. You say you have bright people who are happy to work for very little money, but I'll need to see why I can trust them. A reputation so to speak.

This almost seems like it's begging to be a paid stackoverflow, but I'm not sure what that would look like from a community standpoint (not the same as the free one). I'm getting the feeling it will be more like a craigslist then a structured sytem.

Will talent scouts transform this into "Interview a demonstrably capable programmer for $8.95 / hour"?

Are there some programming tutors around Boston?

If so, I'd really appreciate an invite!