Split Flap
You are entirely correct in that it is their game and they can set the bar for interviews wherever they like.
I would have no problem if I had an interview and was turned down for any reason, such as not meeting the required standard in any area. I find it professionally disheartening however and entirely ideologically unsound that despite having reasonable experience and having survived some few sporting moments over the years, that I am unable to even get my name up for consideration due to the fact that I went out there and started doing it, rather than spending 3 or 4 years in an alcohol fuelled orgy of couch burning interspersed with the occasional lecture.
I know which type of pilot I would rather have up front when it all goes pearshaped.
Best of luck however to those that are able to sucessfully navigate the arbitrary process towards getting an interview.
40 Below