You were interviewed an hour on her behalf?? That must have been a hell of a job you referred her for.
I'm always reluctant to offer my opinion in situations like this because my personal situation may differ from the person asking me and the decision I would take may be skewed and unsuitable because of it.
Very smart. I do the same, rarely saying what I think but rather trying to ask questions to get them to think. You wrote later that advice can be a double-edged sword. That called to mind a line from Fellowship:
"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill."
Hope things work out for your friend.
Jobs that require clearance can be like this. You'll be amazed at the questions they asked, really invasive ones. (Not about me, about my friend). It's commonplace and I've done it before. I can't say the job here, that should give you an idea.
Advice can. Be destructive to a friendship, I've seen it happen, and so it's something I try not to give. That's not to say I don't, but one must pick the mark and situation carefully I think. That quote you wrote says it all perfectly.