All good information, I'd just note: interviews are a small percentage of applications (that is, not common), and probably even lower amongst couples that are already cohabiting.
In other words, the 'downside' is quite small for those who are already cohabiting in Canada and considering which of the two (outland or inland) based on possibility of travel.
[Side note: all of this and potential differences in timeline even more important for Quebec but I don't know which way the balance of interests lies.]