Yeah, that does suck. At least you tried, and there will be no regrets: there's literally nothing more you could have done. From where I sit it's their loss: good workers don't grow on trees, and they're idiots to let a known good employee walk out the door in favor of an unknown. At least the hesitant ones, if needed, could be approached for a reference should you ever need it.

But in the meantime, you have a great attitude, the kind that sets you up to make the most of opportunities that come your way, and I am certain you'll do well. That kind of thing comes through when you're looking for jobs, and it's a plus when someone can look at a shitty situation in prior employment and hold it in realistic proportion, however unfair it was. And this was indeed unfair. I genuinely wish you every success, and soon.