I don't really think that's a sensible comparison--implementation of an algorithm (i.e. implementing Raft) and application of algorithms knowledge to a problem (i.e. a canonical coding interview) are two completely different tasks, no?

Implementing Paxos is mentally similar to (maybe a little easier than) preparing for a coding interview, and takes drastically less time. A few hours of toil over a few days, vs. a full time job for weeks or a part time job for months.

I think it's odd that HN is so blasè about the latter, and so afraid of the former. It's like people have put the problem on a pedestal and become irrationally afraid of it. It's easier than much of the other subject matter that the hive mind claims to have mastered without issue, and pretty small in scope.

No, it is not mentally similar I am afard. Implementing Paxos is a joy since it is a process of learning new stuff. Preparing for the coding interview is wasting time, which can put onto something much more meaningful.