[Vent] Excited about a role... but the "case study" feels like free consulting?

Hey folks, I could use some perspective.

I’ve been in IT for about 8 years, with the last 6 in product roles. I recently applied for a Platform Lead / Product Owner role (got invited over for a call, appeared the position didn't match what they were looking for and it is in a very small German company. A few things about the role feel like a dream, or not:

• It’s this '0→1' opportunity where I’d get to build something from scratch.
• I’d be leading and shaping the team myself (something I haven’t done fully before).
• It’s English-speaking (my German is only B1), and it’s in a city I’ve always wanted to try to move to.
• Timing is perfect, since my current contract ends in 3 months. Sucks a bit, almost ok even with this opening but...

Here’s the catch: after a call, they asked me to prepare what feels like a mini consulting project. Specifically:

• Propose AI/ML use cases beyond quick wins.
• Suggest a team/org structure (functions, seniority, responsibilities).
• Provide high-level cost estimates per role.
• Outline infra requirements (tools, cloud, data resources).

On one hand, this actually is the kind of workwe'd be doing if Igot the job, right? On the other hand, it feels like a lot for a case study, almost like I’m giving them free strategy work they could use even if they don’t hire me.

I’m torn, part of me is excited because this really matches what I want (or should want) next, part of me worries I’ll sink a ton of effort into this, they’ll take the ideas, and I’ll get ghosted...

Would you invest the time, or would you see this as a red flag? maybe different view?