I somewhat agree... There's definitely a different response you get when you say you have two decades of experience... Some strong assumptions come with that. The harder part still is when you don't even get any response at all. You just don't know, and it's hard to tell for certain. Legally age discrimination isn't allowed, but proving it is nearly impossible. Of course given the background of the people behind the suit, it's pretty easy to show given the number of times they reached out and only after face to face interviews declined to offer a position.

As someone who's not getting any younger (42), fat, and doesn't have a formal education, three things that shouldn't be a factor in my job. They really do count against you.