If they say: salary is competitive = you will be underpaid

This was several years ago and only once has a recruiter actually replied back with feedback shared by the interviewers. This was after they said, "sorry we found someone better". I reviewed the list and I saw nothing that would be considered "negative". I only found out later that the director was trying to hire their friend for the role.

Sorry if this wasn't helpful, but I guess the takeaway is that unless you completely bombed the interview, it's probably something going behind the scenes that was out of your hands.

oh no my PTSD is coming back.