1, 2, 4, 16, 26, 42, 57, 512, 730, 1010, 1343, 1872, 2367, 2954

A 2 rating means "bad".  I don't think this is a bad problem.  It is a difficult problem, yes, but it makes me think, and that makes it a good problem.

If it turns out that the solution involves some obscure knowledge about the migration patterns of ancient northeastern sheep, then I would probably rate it a 1.

Looking at Brian Smith's other works, though, I doubt the solution is something so "horrible", so I think whoever gave this problem a 2 should reconsider.

These are only my opinions.