I was interviewed for performance tester role in Cork, Ireland. After all 3 rounds of interview, HR called back and said everything is positive from our side but we have to finish the process for other candidates. After few weeks when I followed up, they confirmed they hired someone else.
If you are not going to hire, please don't give false hopes to candidates. Be clear in communication, if candidate is just among the shortlist.
And also stop collecting information for your problems to be solved. Typical non technical management hiring for technical roles.