As you say, you have fulfilled your PR obligations. My point is that during the time the citizenship application is being processed, the PR obligation continues. So each day abroad during that time, you have to check backward counting 5 years that you are still in compliance with the PR obligation. If not, your citizenship application cannot proceed or may be rejected later on.
Now coming to my point about being prepared for the worst.
Let's say it takes 2 years to process the application. During that time you have to make sure that you are not overseas for such a length of time that your PR status is in doubt. If this is going to be the case, then you need to prepare some plan for that. Perhaps you need to see how you can readjust your life so that you are back in Canada before that happens. Similarly you need to think about what happens if your PR card expires while your citizenship application is being processed. How will you apply for a new one or what would you do if you need to travel urgently etc.
Another issue is that while overseas , are you able to drop everything and come back once you get a letter inviting you for the test ?
As for RQ, they will send you a questionnaire and you have to fill in very detailed information along with many documents as per their request. If you are overseas , would you be able to gather all these documents and send it off to them ?
These are just a few of the issues which you need to think about.
Hopefully your case will be resolved under normal timelines.
All the best and hope things work out for you.