Gusto Vendor Operations Analyst interview questions

I was referred through a friend. Lauren called me, and was so polite and sensitive to the fact that I was a "passive" candidate. I immediately got a very warm feeling from the recruiting team. After a friendly, informal conversation with Lauren, I was invited to interview onsite for a half day with several team members. I met with about 5 people, and each of them were welcoming, passionate and clearly dedicated to the ZP mission. I've been in interviews where I step outside of myself and think "Wow, this is boring and I sound like a boring person". NOT the case here. I left the interview at ZP feeling energized and excited. The vibe there was infectious. They asked for references immediately after my interview day ended and I had an offer by the beginning of the next week.

I applied online and about two weeks later was contacted by a recruiter to set up a phone interview. I spoke with the recruiter for about 30 minutes then I was asked to complete an assignment within three business days, which I did. Keep in mind, this assignment is pretty intensive and I put a lot of effort and detail into it. After submitting the assignment, I was contacted via email and the recruiter wanted to have a "chat" about the next steps in the interview process. The recruiter contacted me and unexpectedly it was another phone interview, with barely anything about the next steps. The recruiter was fact-finding about what I wanted to get paid. I told the recruiter my range, which was within the company's range for this position, and the conversation sort of tapered off. I was advised I would be contacted "shortly" with the next step to set up a face to face. The next day, I received a generic email sent from a non-monitored email address stating I am no longer being considered for the position. Curious to how I could improve on future interviews and why I am not being considered, I emailed the recruiter and have not heard a response. I don't think I'm asking much to have feedback...overall experience was very disappointing.