DJMBOSS,
I am sorry that you were unsuccessful. I found your post, considered and eloquent and not a rant at all. Don't give up! You sound like you are determined and committed. Whislt ATC requires a certain amount of aptitude, without dedication, that aptitude counts for nothing. If you are fond of travel, why not try the military? Both the RN and the RAF are short of controllers as well and the type of control they provide is subtly different.
If you need any more information there are several threads on here or you can feel free to PM me. You may well fail the RAF tests as well but, at least then you will know that it wasn't just the NATS HR staff.
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/s...changeNav/3533
http://www.rafcareers.com/jobs/airtrafficcontroller.cfm