Initial assessment of eligibility is usually made by a Case Processing Agent or a Case Analyst within 1.5-2 months and result is either "met", "recommended pass" (met and recommended pass are the same and equally positive), "review required", or "not met" (no "passed" at this stage). After background check (criminality and security) are passed, the visa officer will review and make the final decision on whether to approve an application. Understanding this process is important because it means one should order GCMS around 2.5-3 months after AOR to find out if there's anything wrong with his or her application in order to actively take measures.
Now, in my experience and and others I've observed, if the initial assessment of eligibility is positive (met or recommended pass), usually the agents will happily tell you so. Otherwise, they will resort to generic "in process", "under review" to cut you off from further questioning.
Note I'm not telling you should be worry. Answers depend on each agent and their different moods. But I suggest you order GCMS or CBSA Notes now. It's the only way to truly understand what's going on. As we are near or already over 6-month mark, I advise CBSA. Let's hope you get your PPR before receiving the notes.