I agree with you, but the fact that they have just taken out the part where they send us AORs tells me they want us to sit back and be patient... Like you, I personally wish they would still send AORs, not just because of relieving anxiety... We all have families and need to plan for the big move to Canada; letting us know things are going well would help us put in motion some of the necessary work we need to do to make our move better organized and easier.
I for one have school going children. Providing us with a time-line for our applications would make a big difference for me. For example, if we get our visas before Sep 2011, my children can attend school in Canada, while if our visas arrive in Nov 2011 or Jan 2012, it would create serious problems and delays for us, since I'm not willing to transfer my kids mid school year... The move will be traumatic enough on them already... BUT, it is what it is, as they say...
Cam