Yeah I know man how It feels.. Instead, I would suggest you to be positive.. Like when everybody was posting about the strike, instead, I posted that the most affected by it are those who will apply for visitor, business and student visas.. ;D
And by the way this is my time line :
July 3, 2013 - Passport requested.
July 17, 2013 - Passport sent
August 7, 2013 - Passport return with VISA
As you notice (since your are very active in this forum ;D) my time line was during the PAFSO declaration of total withdrawal of services in 15 foreign offices and yet, somehow I got a very positive result.. ;D
I hope this story will cheer you up instead of making false assumption which is not very wise at this point in time! ;D