The google sheets here give us valuable information about overall progress and trends. Whatsapp messages are good for instant communication but searching and keeping track of progress is really hard. You really can not go back and find trends and quickly search statistics from Whatsapp messages. I would suggest you to please continue posting your updates in this form and continue contributing to the google spreadsheet.
So far yes... Per IRCC's 2022-23 ATIP, paper application decisions were prioritised to reduce backlog. However, in the ATIP notes, they do say that the "notional decision targets are subject to change". Given that a lot of online applicants have been waiting and they are now piling up at around 11-15k of the overall around 20k applications per month, IRCC may pivot at anytime to producing more decisions on online applications. It's hard to say, it's all speculation - IRCC has a mind of its own :-/
Since your application was delivered in Dec, your entry is in the Dec tab of the spreadsheet (link in signature). Please continue posting updates in the December thread going forward:
I was able to create a tracking account today for me and my husband. Everything is in progress.
