Advice on situation with boutique consulting firm

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on a current situation with a boutique consulting firm.

I interviewed with them a few months ago for an entry-level analyst role. I went through the whole process—CV review, a numerical test, a self-recorded interview, and multiple in-person interview stages — and was told I just missed out on an offer. They mentioned that if any of offer-holders declined, I’d be next in line. They also talked about potential project work in the future and hinted that I’d have an advantage in the next recruitment cycle.

Their recruitment for the next analyst intake just opened, and I received an interesting email from their head of recruitment. Because of "such a strong performance last time", he said they’ve inviting me straight to the final-round interviews with support from one of the senior partners. He also mentioned I might just have one interview with a partner who didn’t meet me before, with some flexibility around scheduling around the time of the final interviews.

Normally, their final-round process involves three interviews (two with senior partners, one with a more junior consultant), so I’m trying to figure out if this means they’re fast-tracking me with just one interview this time, or if this one interview would be in addition to the usual three-round process (though surely that defeats the point of fast-tracking me)?

Interestingly, he also mentioned that they’re “open to discussions around a suitable start date” if I wanted to join before their start date (June 2025). Could this mean they’ve already made up their mind and are using this interview as more of a formality?

Has anyone had a similar experience with a boutique consulting firm, or have insights on whether this might suggest they’re close to offering me the role?

I'd appreciate any of your thoughts!