The other shoe has dropped...on me

I received this yesterday...

I want to thank you for your efforts in pursuing this programmer position with our company. You are a very talented programmer and it was a pleasure meeting you.

Unfortunately we will not be able to offer you the position because the company is not prepared at this time to make a commitment to a salary your level of experience would command.

Mr. [Business Owner] is looking to fill the position with more of an "entry level" programmer.

If I may, I would like to keep your resume on file just in case the company needs someone with your experience in the future.

Again, I want to thank you for the opportunity to interview you; I enjoyed our conversation.

My first response, typically self-deprecating and negative having been built upon a near-lifetime of low self-esteem, was that the work I submitted was not up to par and/or too slow in getting there and so they don't want me. But why bother with the "you are a very talented programmer"? So then I started to think that maybe the guy who interviewed me the first time (the head of the programming area) did indeed like me and want to hire me but the owner-guy is pinching his pennies. Could be...but they've just signed a contract with provider which will likely result in a sharp increase in subsequent client hospital contracts. In short they are going to see a marked increase in business soon and should be able to afford a better quality employee. Oh well.

I'm somewhat disappointed, of course, but not overly so. I still have a job; my family will continue to be fed and housed. Plus, I've been goaded and motivated to start looking around in greater earnest. PLUS, now I can focus on a good lead for a web/Flash client which will also include a semi-regular maintenance contract.