That's odd. I've only ever been a part of companies where HR made a recommendation, but the decision was on the hiring team's management. While I do like the r

That's odd. I've only ever been a part of companies where HR made a recommendation, but the decision was on the hiring team's management. While I do like the recommendation to get an external offer, there might not be time for that. Another option is to refuse the internal offer and stay with your current team. Honestly, hiring is hard. If the manager has to go back to the well and either restart the interview process or hire his not preferred alternative, that might motivate them to knock something loose. Good luck.