That it "happens all the time", and for the reasons this was done should be a crime.
I look forward to the day a federal bureaucrat sets out to make an example of someone, and gets made an example of in return.
You do know taxpayer money goes into dealing with those inquiries. Who should get answered first ~ the guy who sent his application first, or the guy who needs an answer first? ~ ha, ha ~ it's not that simple is it.
We are dealing with something called ADMINISTRATIVE DUE PROCESS which is different than JUDICIAL PROCESS. Sometimes answers are never given ~ but you are free to take it to court. The first thing the judge will decide is how long is long enough. Good luck.