Bear in mind that there are always plenty of candidates for any post. Any possible (legal) way of filtering that down to 3 is great.
Being able to say "wouldn't/ couldn't turn on video in meeting" is a great score for the person detailed with reducing the list.
(Sure, maybe today your webcam is broken or maybe you don't like the idea of a webcam being permanently attached, but making this your point of difference will seldom move you up the selection list.)
Appearance is an important factor when dealing with customers. I consider it an important measure in an interview as well. I'm not prejudiced against any specific appearance but show me some effort, to match the respect you should be showing, in applying for the job.
Equally personality is important. You'd be working with other folk, for other folk, interacting with customers mangers, subordinates, peers and so on. Frankly if you're a dick you won't be a good fit with us.
On the other hand there are companies that love hiring trouble makers and misfits, so by all means you do you, and more power to you.
If you are good and don’t want to be interviewed then be a freelancer, it might be a better fit if you can somehow prove you are good without interviewing.
An applicant not wanting to turn on their video is a HUGE red flag, especially these days with all the scams going around.
a webcam is not exactly gonna break the bank, but I hate polluting my home machines with crap.
So I guess its not really a red flag to me, more of a nuisance
I think that if I'm considering any kind of business arrangement with someone, asking to see their face is a extremely minimal ask.
If the job is super important, then the recruiter should manage to arrange a face-to-face interview with the candidate. To me video calls are a huge sign of immaturity.
I wouldn’t hire someone who refused to do basic stuff in an interview