Ok. I got it now. I've emailed Buffalo a few days ago, but I had no Client ID to give them at that time. It didn't even occur to me to email Buffalo using my receipt number, though. OTOH, I'm a bit weary of emailing them again though as I don't wish to make someone upset at me.
I have checked my application status using my receipt number with e-CAS, and yep, it's still sitting in a pile in Buffalo, waiting to be touched.
As for the last part, actually, the visitor record has made crossing into Canada to visit my wife considerably easier. (it even says on my visitor record that I've applied for my PR) Back when my wife and I were still dating, I had more questions asked of me when crossing, and they advised me to bring with me a copy of my lease, and some rent receipts, bills, etc.... so that I can prove I had ties back to the US. I'm still collecting them just in case they want to ask, but at this point, they just ask if I'm bringing in alcohol or tobacco, and that's largely it. (though last time I came in, the border agent asked all the standard questions)
I have read here and there on this forum, where some people that got visitor records were looked at with more scrutiny, and even to the point where they might get three months, rather than six or 12 months. However, I guess it has to deal with the circumstances of how they got it, who they are, where they're from, etc.... instead of the fact that they've got it.