What should I know about processing times for Thailand's O retirement visa applications?

Following the previous guidance to cancel O-A and apply for O, I re-entered Visa exempt on June 1, visited Hua Hin immigration, picked up the list of requirements for O retirement, and returned a few days later to submit the application. The IO told me return on June 29. However, when I did the visa was still in processing. Same result on the 30th and Jul 1-3. On the afternoon of July 4th, the 90-day O visa was stamped into my passport back dated to 14 June. So even though I spent a few days without a valid visa in my possession, there is no indication in my passport. The IO explained that the process is taking longer these days but didn't explain why.

I am curious if anyone else experienced this.