Update on my application: LIA requested a status update from the CO, CO replied that the application is expected to spend another 1-2 weeks in 2PC.
Have also been advised that, if the outcome is successful, the application will only be approved in principle, until INZ sights my wife's second passport -- she has dual nationality (ZAF & GBR), entered on the ZAF passport as the GBR passport was still in her maiden name, but has since received her updated GBR passport and prefers to have the resident visa in that one (because, I kid you not, getting a ZAF passport renewed offshore takes 6 months at minimum!).