So true there is no point in calling them... Suppose I just need to apply for another job if and when one comes up.
Thanks everyone on the forum for the advice...
I would say, having recruited people in various bits of the public sector, that a call like that would be helpful, and not unwelcome to EMT, if it contained some positively phrased questions aimed at helping you with your next move in the world of jobs. It may be that there's nothing much they can say, of course, if there are many applicants. I have the view, in general, that prospective employers expect people to jump through multiple hoops just to give them the luxury of having a good field of candidates to choose from, which is why it's such a poor show when companies say they give no feedback, or even any response at all, to those who are not successful. If *you* can get something *useful* out of calling them then go ahead but not if it's just going to be a rant - after all, the opportunity might reappear in the future and you don't want to be remembered as "That Guy"...
People are eliminated at various stages along the way and this is just one of them. In effect, they were wondering whether to invite you to the next stage and they told you that by using this "talent pool" label. Whether that's better than simply telling you nothing is a matter of opinion, I guess. I think your mistake, in the sense of what is upsetting you, is to interpret the situation as EMT having somehow made you a promise that they are now going back on. Obviously, you're disappointed but you've not failed anything, as such, so all you can do now is find a route forward - as others have effectively said, you can't change the past.