Hello rich_m0nd, yes I strongly believe that is why it takes sooooooo long. My husband and I had considered which way(inland or outland) was the best for us, and we've decided to do inland because the most important thing for us is not to be separated again. We did long distance ralationship for one year, and it really hurt.... I know there are lots of people who are separated from their partners much longer than us... anyway, I expect being called for an intervew because of all my record, and if we submitted outland, I then would have to leave Canada for an intervew to the visa office in my country. Once I leave Canada, I would have a hard time to come back again, and I have no idea how long I would have to wait after an intervew to recieve an answer for PR. That is the problem that I have no status and it would not matter outland or inland, my case would take longer than others to be proceeded.
It is going to be really frustrationg to wait such a long time though... but that is what we have chosen, we will do our best.
I know many people who are from same country, submitted samy way and same time, and recieved an answer for PR in different period. You will hear from them soon, I wish you good luck!!
Mint