If you are a startup, you can't afford to be NOT be "ridiculous"

Possibly nothing is worse for a new tech venture than a bad hire. I've lived through a few at various startups. It's horrible. It's the worst kind of death because its often slow and painful and you're bleeding capital.

Also realize that a bad/incompetent programmer is a NET NEGATIVE.... not just net 0!

(obviously being 'ridiculous' is subjective, and highly dependent on the roles and responsibilities of the job).

Google on the other hand actually could afford to be less ridiculous.. they just choose not to.