A happy note from my-end since I've been granted my visa end of April 2014.

The wait time in total was about 15 months. Case withdrawn by HO in Jan 2014 as per my previous posts.
As someone mentioned above, I too believe that talking to MP is a good idea for our friends who've been waiting without answers. They do talk to HO directly!
Also I sent letters to the HO.
Be positive, be hopeful and Good luck to everyone!
Cheers