Hm, interesting case. It's very difficult to know exactly why you were refused but clearly the IO saw something that gave rise to suspicion. I think it's important for anyone in our situation to acknowledge those things that may lead to suspicion and address them directly in the application with proof. The burden is on us. And if a relationship is truly genuine, it will show in the application. If there is any doubt whatsoever, that will show, too; especially if there is even a small part of this process that is being undergone to benefit the PR applicant. I imagine that would show through on many levels and especially during an interview where sharp questions are asked and you are being scrutinized with your answers. If you have absolutely nothing to hide, and there is not even one single shred of this being done for purposes of immigration as opposed to 100% love and love alone, then the truth shall prevail.
There is probably such a thing as a quasi-genuine relationship, too. A case where someone is trying to gain entry into Canada for dual reasons: a better life and a relationship with someone they "love". I can see how the lines get blurred in cases where there is a strong motivation for people to want to leave their own country. I think for many people in this situation, the story and truth behind it is not always precisely as it seems.
I guess I'm saying that I have serious doubts whether very many truly genuine, 100% love based relationships and marriages are really refused. If they're refused, something smells. And if something smells, then it's your responsibility to address it before it gives rise to concern for the IO or acknowledge that one or both parties have ulterior motivations to some degree at least.
As for my case, I know I am up against the odds, too. We only knew each other for 5 months before I flew to the Philippines and we married. We met on the internet. She is 25 and I am 41. Those are tough odds due to so many scam marriages. But the bottom line is that I address this meticulously and thoroughly in the application with all the proof we all talk about on this forum and more. If their opinion is that our relationship is not genuine, I would be shocked and dismayed. But that will not be the result, since our love is genuine, pure and undying. If our evidence doesn't satisfy them of this, then there is no such thing as a genuine marriage and relationship anywhere in the world.
So my opinion, for what it's worth, is that if you're relationship/marriage is truly genuine in the full sense of that phrase, then you will be approved if you provide adequate proof of this. If there is even a small smell of anything else, then it probably won't.
I think that's pretty much the way the world works. Once in a while we convict the wrong person in a criminal trial. Once in a while we acquit a person who actually committed the crime. But all in all, from the overall perspective, what happens happens because it was supposed to. Mistakes will always be made. But the exception is rarely the rule.
If they truly made a huge mistake and misread your application and intentions, then I am truly, truly sorry this happened to you. If there is any doubt about your intentions or hers, then what happened is probably what was supposed to happen.
Really and truly? I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that at least one of you knows exactly why it was refused. Now, the question for you is: do you really believe you can overcome their doubts? Regardless of your truths, which only you and her know for sure, I hope your answer is "yes".
God Bless