To be honest this was like 4 years ago. I thought it was a good thing to show that I can get things done in way it costs less effort and time.

I was wrong, I moved on, so did they.

If I would have a similar test today I wouldn't go down the same route, because I know what they would expect.

Maybe it was my sysadmin past talking back then. Trying to find a good existing solution for the problem.