i think it's important to remember that although the website says a certain date is being processed, that certainly doesn't mean ALL applications received BEFORE that date are finished processing. The applications are batched, and handed out accordingly. reasons why some applications are processed quicker than others:
1) the length of time it takes CIC to confirm background checks on sponsors (obviously it's easier to get information on a sponsor that has only lived/worked in canada and/or 1 province than someone who has lived/worked abroad or in multiple provinces)
1b) the length of time it takes CIC to receive information back from other agencies about the sponsor (ie: welfare checks, overseas residency, etc)
2) the work habits of each officer - there are more than 1 officers handling files. just like all human beings, some officers work quicker than others.
3) certainly, if the officer is waiting on information for file a, it is hard to believe they will wait to complete that file before moving on to files b, c, and d.
it is not personal, it is just how it works. think about when you are at work. do you finish your assignments in exactly the same amount of time as all of your co-workers? do you have the same abilities as them? if you're waiting on something do you just sit and wait for that information before starting your next task/project? probably not. CIC is no exception. these are human beings doing a job. it's important to remember it's not as cut and dry you think it is just because you sent them all the information in a package. they have protocols to follow, information to input, requests to wait on, etc. since each application is unique, not everyone is going to experience the same thing.