How Do I React to Betrayal by Potential Employer?

Dear Experts, A recruiter contacted me to interview for a position. After two phone interviews and one on-site interview with three people, I was told I was the "top-candidate" and the corporate HR department (in Europe) was "approving" the local office to make an offer. A few weeks pass by with no new news, then the local HR department calls me to reiterate the delay was caused by corporate HR. Two week later I get an email stating they "had" to select an internal candidate and asking if I would be interested in "future" openings. At this point, I have mixed feelings because this feels dishonest. Do I need to respond to this? Or, should I respond to this other than to acknowledge I received it? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:Q#448 Unless you got a formal offer, you have no case. It happens to the best of us. Keep your chin up. (@beneubanks) Q#448 Just drop it. The opportunity has gone and it's no longer worth your time or energy. Put it in your past. (@gradversity) Q#448 Don't close doors or burn bridges. Things like this happen between corp & branches. Keep options open. You never know. (@DawnBugni) Q#448 Interview process is 2-way street. Situation raises red flags. I'd keep options open, proceed w/caution. (@keppie_careers) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.