Hi maple,
I am not an expert, but it seems to me that they did not touch the Feb-Nov 2008 applications until the new rules have been released. As to the definition of "in process" in Ecase, I think its related to the fact that previously they were writing "in process" for everyone who has been issued AOR. Now they change from "recieved" to "in process" only after sending medicals.
This being said, I DONT think that the fact that they waited for new rules to start processing and did not touch the Feb-Nov applications until Nov 2008 actually prolonged the processing time for these applications. If you count, its 10 months from Feb to Nov. According to trackitt statistics 9-12 months is an average time that takes for Buffalo to "touch" an application in respect of sending medicals.
So, Feb-Nov 2008 applicants were waiting for new rules while their applications have been untouched. However, 2007 or 2006 applicants were waiting more or less the same time for their applications to be "touched" without the new rules on the background.
Moreover, 2009 applicants are now waiting the same time (hopefully not longer) for their applications to start moving. For example, I am waiting almost 8 months now since I have submitted my application to Buffalo and I probably have some more 3-4 months to wait until medicals - so it is not too different from Feb-Nov 2008 or earlier applicants.
It looks like Buffalo created a system in which all FSW applications are processed in more or less similar time, while other offices process some applications in few months and some in 6-7 years.
Dont understand me wrong - I would LOVE that they would process my application in couple months. I just think it would be unfair toward earlier applicants, including you (as I understand).
