When I had applied the estimate was 20 days. I see it has crept up to 23 days now. Very strange and I agree with Manini that this much wait is really strange for a western country. I have had Schengen visa for Europe granted within 3 days in the past.You still haven't crossed the estimated processing time. I think you're a couple of days away from it. Do send the email on Friday/Saturday
Now I don't know if I should cut my losses and try to get refunds for my flight ticket and course or wait it out till the last second.
You should maybe try emailing them and sending the web form to request your application be considered under CAN+. That way you at least have a reason to jump the queue. From the reply I have got it seems nothing short of a health emergency is a reason otherwise.The CAN+ Visa that you are mentioning never heard of it.