Although your points are valid, a trip to the passport office isn’t easy for everyone. Mine nearest one is 3hours away. I applied for my passport in good time for travelling and 10 weeks later nothing. My only options at the minute is to call. Seems to me some people have been pushed to the back of the que, we have all paid the same amount of money for the same service. Should be offered as a first come first serve basis. Any way glad you got yours sorted and makes me a bit more relaxed knowing that I can go down that route in the next few weeks if I can’t get it sorted before then.