I've found this a lot over the years, that companies depend on their 'reputation' and that you should be grateful for the chance for even an interview.

Any company that treats potential hires like this speaks volumes about how they treat their existing staff.

As for recruiters? The number of times they ghost people is unbelievable and not just like this - now it's common to be ignored if you refuse 'a chat' before they'll even send you a job spec!