DMC,
What an impressive post? As I was reading I was hoping for the positive outcome however not to be? Your honestly is breathtaking, I wish you well but I ask you one question? Are you better to know definitely? That is, apply a second time and find out one way or the other? Or can you sit back comfortable with what the last HR person said?
Been in the job for 36 years, its a great gig, not for everyone.