Hey folks, yesterday evening I received the email that I've been waiting for!
"
Action required by October 1, 2021: Confirm that you still want to immigrate to Canada"
Exactly 30 days ago on Aug 21, I updated IRCC with my new passport (via webform) and a side note expressing my disappointment at the state of things - I had to let go of two job offers due to lack of response. Received an acknowledgement a week or two later. Another 2 weeks later, I get this email.
Don't know if this is a coincidence, but hey, at least this is something to look forward to
God bless y'all -- hope you'll hear some good news very soon.