The US applicants historically had less processing time isn't because US is Canada's neighbor, the main factors are there is fewer applicants compare with other countries and much lower rates of fraudulent. And plus it is much easier to obtain all necessary materials for CIC to conduct backgrund check. Obviously, the current change made them waiting longer is because CIC reallocate the limited resources to process applications from other countries.
On the other token, don't you think the applicants themselves is part of the reason that their applications were stuck longer as it should be? I have read so many cases that if the applicants just being a little more patient to gather more proofs or being completely honest to fill their applications, then their cases maybe either processed much faster or at least reduced the risks to be denied to certain level. But the reality is the opposite. Don't you think they are part of the reason that it drags everybody's processing time longer, because VOs will dedicate much more time on those cases?
For my own case, I spent 6 months to do my homework to prepare my application. After I discovered here, I read all cases from the thread that all appellant went there. I need to know for what reason that they got denied and for what lesson that I can learn from them. It actually helped. So I scrapped all the forms I already filled, and started from the scratch. I even retained a lawyer for my case, for what I believe that a third person, the outsider, will let me know if my case is strong enough. That helped too. And yes, my case will be processed by CPC-Miss, instead of my local VO, HK, and for what I have been told it is because CIC believed that my case is a straight forward case. To be honest, if I rushed and submit my first version, my case probably will be end to HK. And a possible interview may be needed.
