But if you're a talented developer then opportunity cost comes into play.
If they are paying me $X an hour to audition but I could be making $X*3 otherwise, the fact that they are paying me for the "try-out" isn't much of a positive factor.
Edit: BTW, I disagree with the rate (flat $25/hour for everyone) mentioned in the article. IMO it should be closer, or equal to, what the candidate will eventually make at that position. Compared to what companies pay recruiters and the lost money/time on dealing with a bad hire, 2 weeks of full pay is nothing.
Besides are you really going to get a good feel for a company by working remotely and are you going to be doing your best work at 9PM after a full day of work and other obligations?