Ghosting after LONG interview process?

Experienced SM HF analyst here. I get the ghosting after early rounds of an interview process. It's rude, but that's the new normal.

Over the past few years, I've participated in a few VERY long SM/FO/LO interview processes. 6+ months each, meet whole team, case studies, at least 3 meetings with the top boss. A couple situations where they "are always looking" but don't actually hire anyone. Another where I was the alternate in the end.

I figure I would keep in touch because a flip of the coin differently, I would be working there. Or things change in the future.

I send emails to say hello, chat names, ask a favor, suggest an idea, etc. 

Ghosted. No response. Okay, fine, they are not interested. I don't follow up to that email. But months later I'll start a new email chain later on a new topic to see if they bite. Nothing. 

What's wrong with these people? What's wrong with this industry? Or what's wrong with me?

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