You can inquire as much as you want and you will not be penalized for it. - You're right, to each his own and I'm sure many will disgaree with this statement.
And the said 9 months is established within the acceptance of your application in its initial stages, not when passport is sent. - 9 months starts at the time CEM receives your application from CIC after sponsorship approval. As I explained, the day they receive the file to the time they request for your passpport , even if you comply after exactly 45 days, and count 60 days after that , will still fall within 9 months .
If you note on your PPR letter, you'll see the number of days that they'll process your passport (45-60 days). - Nowhere in the PPR letter does it say they'll process the passport within 45-60 days. what's in the PPR letter is you are required to submit the PP to them with other required documents within 45 days from the date of the PPR letter.
Please see also this link, http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/philippines/visas/enquiry-how_demande-comment.aspx?view=d
you can inquire as much as you want but they wont respond if you still fall within processing times , so I really think there is no point in "bugging" them about it, they made themselves clear. It will only add more frustration to the waiting process.