Hi
On the linking issues... I can share my exp and hope fully that will help you.
I tried to link my dependents to CIC account, but failed to do so. I called the IRCC and requested to give Application Number (different to the Express Entry Number). This number starts with R .
I also asked to confirm the Birth Place value there in the system. In my case.. I was entering birth place to link it. But in the system confirmed by IRCC agent that They have 'Birth Place, State/Country name ' together as birth place.
Due to this mismatch of the information, I was unable to Link it . Once I got the correct information from IRCC agent about Application Number and Birth place, I was able to link it.
You can try that option and i' sure there is a mismatch of the data.
Coming back to Delay on the PR cards, For Many cases... sending emails will work. Make sure you add crisp and short msg in the body and also subject line is short and meaningful.
Try sending an email early hours( 9 AM to 9:30 AM or 3:30 PM to 4:00PM). The reason is that, all emails will go to one Inbox. So in order to get quick attention, the mail should be on top of the inbox to get some one's attention. This is Just a tip and worked for many.
Good Luck.