AVT Contract Manager interview questions

Applied via an ad on Monster.co.uk Contacted by the CEO within 24hrs for interview with himself (which surprised me) Arranged an interview with him driectly within 3 days; at my convenience - late one evening after work so no working time or holidays lost - extremely flexible. Asked me to complete a personality test, which later on he told me was to "weed out the self-promoters!" Met with the CEO, and was very impressed. A very frank interview - I asked some insightful questions and the CEO was extremely impressed. Interview was scheduled for 1hr, but lasted almost 3 - by which time we needed to arrange food and decided to call it a night and get home. On the way out the CEO told me I was perfect for the role - told me there would be another panel interview with two other Directors - gave me a company USB stick (with case studies and some very detailed information about how they worked) and told me to learn what was on it ; that it would help me in the next stage - which he led me to believe was just a formality. We honestly got on very well. Then; before leading; he volunteered to show me the factory including some of the projects we had talked about. Looked amazing. I came away from the interview thinking I was in; I was extremely interested and excited for the role. Followed up with a courtesy email 3 days later - no response. Called 6 and 10 days later; no repsonse to either message. Emailed 17 days later; got a 3 liner email reply saying that his competitor's Contract Manager approached him and he offered the role to him on the spot - and hoped that I understood. I was utterly flabbergasted and extremely frustrated to say the least! I sent a long email thanking him for his time, stating my understanding and acceptance, but that should there be any other opportunities for me; please let me know/keep me in mind. I genuinely expected & wanted a response It's been 9 months - no response. Very frustrating.