This is what I heard directly from Mexico. I am not saying it is true for other visa offices. I am saying that this is what I heard from Mexico, in June.
Waiting until 12 months is up actually seems reasonable to me. It makes sense for anyone who knows that their file is received. I think the exception would be folks who haven't heard anything at all (as in, not received, lost in transit or not transferred to the VAC within 6-8 mos).
They are super busy - looking after applications for 9 latin countries. Every time we ask for notes, they have to review them to ensure they have removed anything sensitive (like if they are going to give the applicant a security interview - which is different from a regular interview - which they will not let you know in advance). It takes them time, and with hundreds of requests it slows down the process for all of us. I know people say that the whole thing is automated, but that is simply not true. So I completely understand when someone ordered their notes in July that they don't have them yet.