Hi and welcome to PIO! As a new member also and not having got very far with our application i've not much in the way of advice i'm afraid!
A good start would be to begin your own thread- your post looks like it took you a while to write so you could copy-past it. By starting your own thread you are getting advice specific to your circumstances and not getting lost in someone else's thread! Just click on thread starter.
Only thing I can advise on is that your estimate for visa application sounds about right- if you apply online. We were at Expo 08 and were advised that paper applications are taking 12-18 mths while online applications are 6-9 months.
Sorry I can't answer anything else- don't have a clue but as I said if you start a thread you'll get a better response.
Good luck with your application, i'll keep my eyes peeled for your thread!
Nicky
