I just applied today. Nicole in Lincoln helped me (and was very friendly and, aside from the $100 out of my pocket, she made it totally painless). She said that they just recently came back within the 45 day mandate and seemed genuinely pleased to report this. It sounded like they had worked real hard to get that done.
She didn't tell me a number, but seemed to indicate I should expect mine back within the 45 day time period in the law.
Also, she said she had an influx of applicants today (around 10 to 12 new applications, by noon, when I applied), so she wasn't sure if that would have an affect on my timeline.
Anyway, a big thanks to Nicole @ the NSP and here's hoping the long waits are over.