I think this is a stronger argument that we should have more entry-level contractor gigs available with a route toward full-time employment. Because they're easier to fire, contractor positions allow more risk-taking in the hiring process and this increases candidate diversity - true background diversity, not what you see with category-based quota systems. A company will be more likely to hire a person without a pedigree into a contractor role, and once hired they have an opportunity to showcase their aptitude.

Interviews are expensive in terms of employee time. Paying a candidate for their time as well wouldn't be the most expensive part of the process, but in general increasing the cost of an interview will serve to decrease the breadth of the process. Companies will probably start to become sensitive to people they perceive as profiting from the interview process and restrict access accordingly. I think this would be ultimately detrimental to the goal of scouting new talent.