MR.G Advertising interview questions

Initially I went in to see about a full time job based on a referral from a friend of a friend. I thought they were looking for a jul-time employee but during the interview both full-time and part-time were discussed before the topic of freelance came up. I was asked about my background, specifically with regard to creative work on specific client categories. I was asked to present my portfolio, and was asked if they could use some of my work to pitch clients. I was asked if I knew of certain people in the industry, and whether I had worked with others. I was asked what my rate was and whether or not I was OK being paid as a independant company rather than an employee. After meeting with the owners I was introduced to the account person and asked similar questions. Then I was given a quick tour, introduced to two other employees (?) and asked if I had any questions. Then I was asked for references, none of which were ever contacted. Although the money offered was OK, I felt they were looking for the most they could get from an employee for the least, rather than focusing on the quality of my work.