Apologies for the length of this...

Apologies for the length of this...

I've been looking for a job for the last 2 years (since the pandemic started.) I had lost the role I was in just prior to the pandemic due to lack of funding/BOD changed their investment strategy (it was a startup and I was last hired, first to be let go). I've applied to so many roles over these last 24 months, most of them within my experience level or below. I've maybe gotten a handful of interviews (preliminary phone interviews). I do get a lot of rejections of just my application "unfortunately, we went with another candidate who more strongly aligns with our needs" is usually the response I get. It's hard to understand what that could be since I can fulfill the requirements of the job. Most recently, I interviewed at 2 different companies - one was in Jan/Feb. I went through the initial half hour phone interview where I told about the role and what is expected and next steps. I was asked to complete an assessment that would take about 2 hours. I did so, sent it in and was asked to be interviewed again by the supervisor of this role. Interview was about 1.5 hours going through each job I have ever had and then some background on the role. The interview went really well - it felt like I'd get an offer and then a week later, I get the rejection email. More recently, I interviewed for a role I really wanted - one that I was perhaps a tiny bit overqualified for (because it seems that the roles I am qualified for, I'm not a good fit) but I've also been out of the game for 2 years so I think that balances out. I interviewed on the phone with HR, then there was a second interview a week later via Zoom with the direct supervisor. We hit it off. I had to follow up days later to ask what next steps were because no one got in touch with me (despite them expressing that they wanted to fill this role ASAP). I was notified hours later that I'd be moving to the final stage. That final interview was the following week and again, went really well - hit it off. I was certain they'd extend an offer or at the very least, reject me right away. A WEEK went by, no answer/word from them. I had to reach out on Friday (interview was on Monday) to ask what next steps were and reiterate my excitement at the prospect. I emailed at 3pm EST - I didn't receive a response until 745pm EST saying something along the lines of "you were a strong finalist but the team decided to extend an offer to another candidate who more closely aligns with our needs. Please keep in contact should another role come up that you'd be a good fit for." At this point, I'm struggling to not take the professional rejection personally. Also, if they didn't feel like I was a strong enough candidate now, why would I be in the future? Is this just lip service or weird HR speak?