I tend to agree with the OP. The potential employer is starting the relationship on a deceitful basis.
There's a reason people absolutely drag recruiters who do this - it's because it's slimy. At least with a recruiter, the company has a degree of insulation.
If the CEO is going to send emails claiming they've pre-screened you, are excited about talking to you and that they will get back to you if you submit an application, then it's reasonable for people to call them out when they don't do this.
I tend to agree with the OP. The potential employer is starting the relationship on a deceitful basis.
There's a reason people absolutely drag recruiters who do this - it's because it's slimy. At least with a recruiter, the company has a degree of insulation.
If the CEO is going to send emails claiming they've pre-screened you, are excited about talking to you and that they will get back to you if you submit an application, then it's reasonable for people to call them out when they don't do this.