[tschwimmer]

There's no reason why they can auto-generate a "We have decided not to proceed with your application" email when they move your status to rejected at the very least. It costs marginally nothing.

[0xCMP]

It does when you think you might have another position for them and you don't want to burn bridges. Which I assume it likely what they're thinking.

[Retric]

Not responding burned bridges not just with him but everyone reading this, sending a polite no would have maintained them.