That sums it up quite well... I know from first hand that my application is allright but also there have been NTSO pulled infront of me, that had more hours (though the same category) or as you mentioned just being local.
Of course I still hope things are moving for us, but the best would be a webpage, where you can see a number+name on a list of the specific category (NTSO, FTSO, FO, DEC) and a general timetable with the typerating/standardization courses planned for each category. So whenever a batch finishes, your number moves up and soforth.
Any nationals will always be listed on top of that of course but to have a general overview of your situation I think this came in handy.