Exactly...there are lots of reasons to reject a candidate, none of which have to do with the OP's opinion of the guy. Companies interview for a lot more than co

Exactly...there are lots of reasons to reject a candidate, none of which have to do with the OP's opinion of the guy. Companies interview for a lot more than competence. Culture fit is a huge one. He may be the best programmer in the world, but if you can't grab a beer or coffee with the guy or grab lunch occasionally, he may not be a good fit. Also, the new company hasn't worked with him for 5 years, so they have to go on what they learn in a short interview, and many of the best developers simply don't interview well. It could have been salary requirements, or maybe they're interested in a specific technology that he hasn't mastered yet.