Google works the same way for password recovery and blocking. There's basically zero support for any free product. And barely any (if any) support for their paid products.
The general scheme is surely the same, but here we're talking about an implementation problem, and Microsoft has an history of them. Here's basically what happens:
1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4)insert number->back to 2)
Alternative scenario:
1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4) click on other options->5)support page->6)ask to contact support->back to 1)->2)fail->and on an on
It's an infinite loop, there's no solution. They fucked this up pretty badly, I really wouldn't risk having a business account with Microsoft. Imagine you work on a spreadsheet for days and then this happens.
When your account is blocked for some reason (spamming report, automatic detection of nude pictures, invalid report of some abuse, etc), you have no recourse with either Microsoft or Google. A few people (connected journalists) have been able to make contact within Google and regain access within 7-14 days, though. For everyone else, consider all your stuff gone and your account no longer available.
