Hi Mark:
Actually i agree, when the CIO is not making any real decision since their assessment is being reviewed by the visa office (and that is normal because they assess the applications without the benifit of the supporting documents), but at least aren't they checking the applications for completeness !!! i have no idea what are they doing exactly at the CIO !
Another important notice, for FSW category 1, i can find an excuse for thre CIO not being able to do a reliable assessment because they do not have the supporting documents, but for categories 2 and 3, applicants must send their supporting documents regarding to the eligibility review such as, study, work permits, employer letters, official AEO letter,...etc and all of that is going to be checked within the "FOSS" system to make sure that the documents are genuine, so why those categories 2 and 3 have to go through initial assessment again at Buffalo and not being placed into processing upon receipt !