If they lose points on part of my exam with topical substance because they haven’t read the instructions, then that’s deserved. Putting an artificial “read the instructions” problem on a math exam because it is a life skill seems like going out of one’s way to trap the student. It also seems like a skill that should be taught and tested before they get to University, or perhaps in a "how to succeed in college " course (which are increasingly part of core curricula).
The point of quizzing students on the syllabus – which I don’t do, but is quite common – is to force the students to read it, and therefore make sure they understand their course responsibilities before it is too late for them to correct themselves. I don’t see that putting a treasure hint in the syllabus and not telling the students about it accomplished this (though it might for his future students who see the story).
