Hi Scotty,
Sorry to hear things didn't work out for you this year, but it really sounds like you have a great chance of making it in the years to come. It may not sound so great now, but if you build on your experiences in the next while you'll probably be an excellent candidate. To get that far on your first try is great, and can only help you in future attempts. Remember that many of the CEPs were a little older and had been tried a few times before succeeding.
Did you call and find out specifically what area they weren't happy with, or are you only speculating it was the group exercises? You should find this out, and work on it over the next year if Aer Lingus doesn't happen. You already know how to pass all of the other parts.
Good Luck!