They put me through a three panel interview, in which they asked me the exact same questions several times. They waited until the very end of the interview to tell me they couldn't meet my salary expectations, which I communicated to them on the phone a week earlier.

Interview process started with normal screening call with the HR. Salary Budget was really low from Bay Area perspective. I shared my expectations and she went back and came with approval. Next was a call from Hiring manager who really liked my way of thinking since he too thought more from "Architecture" perspective. Was invited onsite and it was overall good experience. Everyone on the team was nice to talk to except one person who seemed fresh out of college and only had "hypothetical" questions and seeked "story telling" answers. I wished I could be that person for her but It is what it is. Received standard response "we found you over qualified" for this role, there has been recent restructuring in the team and we are looking to adding someone less experienced. The truth is - nobody fits exactly into anything. You yourself did not fit into your job description, but they hired you. People are not square pegs to be fitted into square holes. For a candidate to fit, you have to make room, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt, you yourself have to be flexible.You are interviewing your own ability to bring them up to speed, to make room for them, your own flexibility.