Ask HN: Are data structures and algorithms necessary at web startups?

How important are data structures and algorithms for web startups?

I'm seeing a lot of startups running rails and django that follow very strict and stringent interview processes. They pay a lot more attention to algorithms than proven, demonstrable examples of code.

Some will quickly cast aside great chops if they can't explain data structures. What part of rails or django, reading log files and bootstrap theming does CS skills entail?

Is their a perception that a genius with algorithms would be a valuable engineer? Doesn't that completely fail to take in account their willingness to accept the stack and interests of the business?

Are startups mistakenly adopting interviews too strict for their needs?