Supercanadian,
In this regard, I would just simply like to add to what MarsiaMS and vpkasbek have already mentioned above.
I'm not speaking about entitlement in any way. I'm speaking about providing equal and fair opportunity for both EE and paper-based applicants to get processed under the same procedural timeframe, or if necessary allow paper-based applicants to resubmit their documents electronically. Supercanadian, according to your words you suggest that the federal government divides its immigrants into first and second class categories, which is repellent at least. Why wouldn't then the federal government come with first and second class permanent residency rights and citizenships? Do you see where your line of logic is going to? By which standards or requirements did you conclude that EE candidates are superior to paper-based candidates?
So, again my point here is the following. Both paper-based, EE and all other existing streams are merit-based programs. I'm very sure that if any of these streams proved to be unimportant or inefficient, the Canadian government would have shut down them without hesitation. Thus, this is more of a bureaucratic issue, rather a matter of priorities. That is why I think it is important for all paper-based applicants to stand up and push the Canadian government to do something about the processing times. I believe 6 months and 17 months is quite a difference.
PS. By the way, I qualify for both EE and paper-based streams in case you wondered (IELTS 8.0, master's degree, NOC A)