Why don't employers just tell you that they do not want to or are not going to hire you? ?

Like many people out there right now, I've been searching for a job. My law firm was downsizing last year and finally, they just had to close up. It was hard because I knew the attorneys for a long time and it was a diffcult time to go through. So, I've been sending out resumes, having phone interviews, going on actual in-person interviews and I'm finding the same story more and more. They all say they are interested, they'll get back to me, they have one or two more candidates to interview, etc. I do the things you are supposed to do, let them know I'm very interested in the job before I leave, send a follow-up thank you note, etc. Now, let's see, I've been told I'd get a call back in a week or so, or that the budgeting process is not complete so they can't hire anyone or that they are working on second interview schedules or that I should not be worried if I don't hear from them right away. If a good amount of time pes, why do they have to keep lying and make you think you MIGHT get the job? Why can't they just be honest, let you down easy and let you know they aren't going to hire you so you can just move on. I've been wating this week for so many calls from prospective employers that tell me they will get back to me but don't. It's really tough and I just wish more people were honest instead of just ignoring you. To me, that's worse. Anyone else going through anything similar right now?