Yes it disapointing, and last time i was applying it really got up my nose, but look at it from their point of view too.
Airlines (in the uk), receive 1000's of applications a year. To reply to alll of them would be a full time job - money that, particularly in te current climate (and i don't mean sunny spells and heavy showers), could be better spent elsewhere.
Before 9/11 my airline had around 1300 applications on file. Not sure but i guess this is after they have weeded out the ones that are unsuitable !