No, definitely *NOT* an excuse!!!
I agree with clearing up the backlog. Ignoring petitions will not make them go away, no matter what the reason for the holdup. It only creates a bigger problem. And these are not 'phone numbers'. These are PEOPLE'S LIVES. I like to think there is some sense of urgency on their part, but it's hard to believe that sometimes. Sad to think that even in hospital emergency waiting rooms, there have been patients who have gone ignored and the worst has happened. And if a hospital can treat people like that, it can certainly happen in a government agency.
Let's just hope they keep making headway in clearing up the mess they've created and get those earliest filers approved.

It's about freakin time!!!