I wouldn’t ever end a recruiter discussion without your questions answered and details fully clear. There is nothing wrong with asking follow on questions if something doesn’t remain clear or something is brought up requiring more details or discussion. I would also ask your recruiter to put timelines on things, if they balk just say, “Hey can I reach out and follow up every 2-3 weeks?”.
When I was recruiting I always kept open and consistent comms with the applicant, even if there was bad news to provide. I would dumb down the process so I didn’t confuse applicants with words like “proboard”, “PROREC”, “FINSEL”, etc. I would also set the tone with timelines and the process, “I’ll try to follow up no later than two weeks if not sooner”. “I expect this will take a week…”
For you, if CNRC cut off applications or someone didn’t submit your application on time, I feel at the very least information should be candid and not just “circumstances” were mentioned.
Lastly, recruiters have cell phones these days. I’m not saying call/text at 10pm, but if you work a busy 9-5 schedule there is nothing wrong with sending a text and/or call right after that.