I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the job. My hopes and dreams of advanced learning are now dashed. ;~)
As for the method of hireing, I know all to well how that works as I work for the Government and have seen them go through the motions many times only to finally choose their "favored son" for a position. I have a few friends who work or have worked for the Philly mint. It's a tough crowd. Just the fact that you got an interview reflects on your abilities. That is most certainly a feather in your cap.