I'm going to focus on your last line...

"out-sourcing the slow/painful bits"

Which is exactly why I don't get the obsession with side projects or work samples. There is no guarantee that the person showing the work actually did the work. At best, it means they have access to people that can do the work, which I suppose is something.

Not that I am accusing you of cheating or lying or anything, just pointing out that in a world where outsourcing is easy and common that you can't take these things at face value.