Nothing of this sort has happened to me or any of my friends. Not that it means anything, just saying it hasn't happened to anyone I know. I believe it is an ERAS violation for people to comment on your standing with the program. Most programs have said generic things like "you're competitive for our program", or "you're a strong applicant".
Since this is the second year I have applied, I can say based on my own experience that none of those strong reassuring words mean sh***. Last year there was 1 Division chief who told me "I know everyone at your training program and I know that I want you at our GI fellowship, you will match here". And guess what? he didn't rank me #1 because I wouldn't be applying had he done so (please don't ask me about which program it was...).
In short, programs blow hot air at everyone. They all want a good fellow just as much as all of us want a good GI program. I guess it goes both ways. It just sucks because the odds are in the program's favor.
Good luck everyone. ROL deadline is coming soon!