[pgorczak]

That’s one way to frame it. The other would be the candidate being able to understand that the “apart from money” part is implied in the question and the answer given the social context. This makes the money answer go from straightforward and honest to blunt and cringeworthy.

[mariusor]

Based on the answers in this thread it seems like there's a large chunk of people for whom the "apart from money" is not implied. And I think that's what TFA is in support of any way. Neurotypical people might understand it like that, but a large chunk of developers might not be neurotypical and don't feel like, or don't have the capacity for expending energy into finding a socially acceptable answer.

[s1artibartfast]

That's exactly the social skills the interview is screening for. Determining if someone can handle relatively simple questions, of you if the employee will struggle.

[mbs159]

Depends on the culture and other circumstances. In certain cases, replying with "I need the money" would result in a few chuckles, but overall a very positive response.