Actually, I'm a huge fan of diving in with code before the problem has been specified. I quite enjoy deliberately misinterpreting the newbies question and posting an irrelevant chunk of code.
$processing->further(s/T"$//);
I also think this is a great way for the newbies to learn to clarify their questions!
ep: the lesson here is that at least
half of your job is understanding the project's requirements. If the Monks demonstrate how they get nowhere by misunderstanding your requirements, then maybe you'll learn that you will get nowhere until you understand your client's requirements.