EE applications will NOT get overwhelmed. That is in essence one of the benefits and reasons for switching to the EE system (in short copying Australia as they have the most efficient immigration system in the world). NOTE that under the EE system you cannot apply in the real sense. You only sort of throw yourself in a pool and people with highest scores are invited at each round. The difference is...now the invitation is done by CIC, they will not control the number of applications that can be activated per each invitation round. The number of applicants activated will be linked to resource and staffing . One of the many reasons why this system is a leap.
Now here's what I think may be happening (this is PURE speculation). While CIC is clear in stating that applicants that have submitted their apps before Dec 31st will be processed under the old rules. They did not say under the old system. I see an instance where...certain applicants will be uploaded into the EE database.. For this applicants, they will be "dummy" invited to apply. The processing from AOR (or whatever new name emerges) to visa issuance will be done with the EE system architecture but under the old rules.
here's cic word for word:
We will process your application under the rules in place at the time you applied.
