I was asked by HR in the initial phone screen what salary I was targeting and I gave a firm number and said that was the minimum salary I would need with a strong benefits package. After a very lengthy and involved interview process I received an offer $10k below my ask with pretty mediocre benefits. I countered with my initial salary ask and they did not come up at all. Why did they waste everyone's time if they weren't going to offer the salary I stated was needed up front?