Hi Bryant, I am surprised too!
As you said, it's only till 2/9/2014, I am confused and have read the email twice! No particular CO is appointed, the email is from PVC team 1 titled with "request for payment", a letter attached with all the necessary information, telling my parents how to pay, need to response in 28 days and when is the initial entry date if the visas have been granted. So, I take it they are all still in the line and maybe an appointed CO will contact you on the final decision.