The fact they interview you when you clearly state your current salary is 5k already means they are targeting someone around 5k+ to 6k. If they were really going for 8-9k people, most likely they would have gone for people who are drawing 7-8k now.

Recently got a 50% raise from a hiring manager who wanted me specifically (we worked together before as counterparts), even though I was very happy at my current company. Told her I needed a lot of incentive before I would consider.

At the end of the day, demand and supply. If they're looking for a 2Y+ ops analyst, supply is everywhere. If they're looking for YOU, then supply is clearly not.

Yea obviously we are not talking about personal level hiring, those have no limitations. I know of a sales guy who got poach by ex-client for nearly triple amount.