The range in experiences is very confusing. Made in Canada (first of all congratulations!!! Inshallah everything will go smoothly from now on and you will get the visa soon) but secondly, do you mind me asking how old you are? Maybe the VO gave you more of a chance to explain if he thought you were older and more experienced. It's one area that sets you apart from Ahmegan's experience, who I believe is 20 (maybe he gave Ahmegan less of a chance to explain for this reason? Maybe he just discredits those based on age? Who knows - just another theory).
And also the inconsistencies around the passport experiences - some were asked to leave theirs behind, others to mail them in. We were told our medical was fine, and were asked to leave the passport and photos with the VO, but then received an email a day later asking to complete the medical exam. Ours expired in January; maybe they can only extend those that have expired recently (like only up to one or two months)?
And on that point, my husband went to one of the two clinics the embassy posts on their website (the one he got his medical done at originally is no longer a clinic that the embassy works with) and he had a pretty negative experience. He said the entire staff (except for the receptionist) was Christian and the doctor would not answer any of his questions, and only gave him an opportunity to answer Yes or No to her questions. This medical was much more comprehensive than the original (blood work this time, but not the first time, for example) and he was there for 3 hours! So for those of you who have to redo the medical, please expect to wait.
My husband went to the embassy yesterday to update his mailing address and he noticed a huge lineup of people applying for immigration (without sponsorship). Is it possible that some of your husbands have tried this route in the past, and they are now flagged as suspicious when applying a second time through marriage?
Made in Canada, I am also not in a position to relax or celebrate just yet, until the passport with the visa is in my husband's hands. After going through this process, I feel like anything can happen. I am crossing my fingers and praying for you and for the others who also need our support.