Magicmick I agree with your thoughts on the currency element with a one year ground based job, but with so many applications I guess it's used as a filter. I too would spend a lot more on flying if I had a job offer and guaranteed type rating.
I also received the same two emails only a few days apart. The reply I got was that they had now filled their October requirements, hence the quick rejection email, which seems very quick as it was done in less than a week. Also, I see the advert is still running which also seems rather bizarre if they have filled posts right up to October. As it's the same advert that I applied to many months ago it won't let me reapply due to duplication, although I have done a lot of flying since my original application, so ironically, I would meet their currency requirements now more than I did in my original application.