I spoke to CC from HR few days ago and I asked her few things. Since I was hired and put into the hiring pool, I asked about the status of the pool. Apparently the company still has everyone on file but since its been over 6 months from the date of interview, everyone would have to go through the interview again. As obvious, she has no idea when hiring will start but I think no one knows that. She did say when the hiring does start, the people in the hiring pool would have to meet the new minimums, but she has no idea what they will be, so I guess just building time for now wouldn't be such a bad idea.
I guess this sums it up for those in the "hiring pool"