CEC inland applicants are on work permits and if the work permits are expiring, they are allowed for go for an extension (BOWP). So, they have status already in Canada, and paying taxes and everything is good. I think that is the reason why they are processing CEC inland applications slow .
When I called last month, the first question I was asked was what is your status in Canda.. I said I have BOWP.. then they were like 'Oh okay, then you don't have to worry about your application now, as you already have a status, and the processing times are 6 months, so you have time'.. the tone sounded like that
btw I'm may 4th CEC inland