There seems to be some discrepancy b/t their replies to us. Hope you can provide some specifics of their response in order to make things clearer. Otherwise, your post would be suspected of being premature.
As you correctly assess, the group is very CB oriented here so I think you may be better of seeking placement elsewhere. I know that we have made our offers for this year.
Good luck and let me know if I can help in any other way.