tbh i dont think they are 'dumb'.
i have this speculation that CIC will process newer applications first, to improve the ultimate process time. As for us, even they process our applications now , our applications still consider 'blacklog' and we won't be 'satisfied' with the timeline anyway. so strategically, if they process the newer applications and the backlog doesn't carry forward to new applicants, they have less applicants complain about process time.
As a reporter for three years. I see the government doesn't care about applicants, they cares about their 'image' and reputation that will affect their next election.
Next federal election is in 2 years, its not like april batch applicants will get their citizenship and vote in next election, they have no incentive to clear the backlog.